Bhubaneswar: In a bid to popularise Odisha's rich culture and handlooms in the much awaited Asian Athletics Championships-2017 (AAC) scheduled from July 5 at Kalinga stadium in Bhubaneswar, the women athletes will wear Sambalpuri saree during inaugural ceremony of the international athletic event.

Odisha's traditional handloom saree will add colour to the event during glittering inaugural ceremony when the women athletes holding the flags at march past of the 22nd AAC will appear in Sambalpuri saree provided by Boyanika, said Odisha Handlooms,Textiles & Handicrafts Secretary Chitra Arumugam.

With display of Sambalpuri saree, Odisha handlooms and textiles in the Asian meet, there will be an opportunity to enjoy the glimpse of traditional work of Odisha at the stadium, she added.

Besides, the veteran sportspersons, who will participate in AAC, will be gifted the silver filigree Konark Chakra, famous filigree work of Cuttack, traditional jewellery box, items made of palm leaves and shawl containing the traditional works of Odisha. All the sportspersons will be felicitated during the event with Uttariya (a scarf-like piece of cloth) and Kotapada cloth made from organic colours.