Bhubaneswar: The buzz around Hockey Men’s World Cup 2018 slated for November is growing louder with every passing day. It has already assumed a larger than life shape with music legends Gulzar and A R Raham creating it’s official song.
To give a personal to the showpiece event while promoting its rich art and crafts, the state government is preparing special souvenirs for the 16 participating teams, officials and other dignitaries visiting Odisha during the world cup.
Ikat stoles, an official said, are being custom made for the participating countries. Woven and designed by weavers from western Odisha, these stoles will be used for welcoming the guests.
Various mementoes are being specially designed for the guests by state’s best craftsmen roped in by the Handloom, Textiles and Handicrafts Department. Silver filigree, lacquer work and Ikat weaves are some of the state crafts to be promoted during the world cup.
The popular lacquer ware boxes from Nabarangpur, the official added, will be used for the packing the gifts as they are sustainable and organic. Gifting items list will also include hockey-inspired products made from lost wax-casting techniques.
Sure to grab attention among others will be intricately-designed miniature hockey gifts made by the silver filigree craftsmen of Cuttack.
The Odisha government is already on an overdrive with roadshows and ‘heartbeat for hockey’ campaign to promote the event in the state and the country.
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