UNITED NATIONS, Oct 1: Pakistan and Indian cricket teams were appointed spokespersons for International Year of Sport and Physical Education (IYSPE) 2005, in recognition of their efforts to use sports to promote peace and overcome regional tensions, a top UN official said.

“I believe that both national cricket teams are pioneers in the quest for peace and stability in South Asia and can serve as role models for other countries and regions around the world,” Adolf Ogi, UN Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Sports for Development and Peace, told a press briefing.

The two teams have been recognized as “catalysts for peace” since the Indian team flew to Pakistan in 2004 to compete in a cricket series for the first time 14 years, marking a major step between the two countries to in their nascent peace efforts.

Earlier this year, Pakistan’s team travelled to India in a reciprocal action, and the exchange gave Predsident pervez usharraf an opportunity to visit India to engage in dialogue with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Both teams have pledged to give their support to the United Nation’s goal of using sports “to bridge cultural and ethnic divides and encourage peaceful relations” Mr. Ogi said.