Soccer program brings India-Pakistan together

Organised by the US Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs' SportsUnited Division, the first India and Pakistan dual country soccer exchange program is aimed at encouraging the members of the delegation to share their experiences, learn about the United States through the lens of sports, interact with young American athletes and meet with US sports professionals.

The Assistant Secretary of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the US Department of State, Ann Stock, said sports has the ability to bring people together.

"Sports has an unique ability to break down barriers and peacefully bring people together for greater understanding,.

"Today, young female athletes from India and Pakistan have come together to forge new friendships on and off the soccer field," said Stock.

Chinta Anjani Rashmitha, a 12th standard student of Chennai's P S Senior Secondary School, said this was a life time experience for her.

"India, Pakistan and the United States are coming together because of sports. This is going to be a life time experience, which I will never forget," she said.

Rashmitha, who is sharing a room with a Pakistani colleague, said, "They (girls from Pakistan) are so friendly. We get along with each other very well." (MORE)