WASHINGTON: The US State Department on Monday announced the first India-Pakistan football exchange, which will allow the women’s teams from the two sub-continental neighbours to compete with each other.

The department’s sports visitor programme will bring 18 young women football players and two coaches from India and Pakistan to the US from Sept 11-22.

During the programme, members of the delegation will share their experiences, interact with young American athletes, and meet US sports professionals.

The programme will also include a series of intensive football clinics, conflict resolution workshops, and sessions on disability sports.

The group will meet officials from D.C. Parks and Recreation for a discussion on sports nutrition and training while the DC United women’s team will host a clinic for the group and the team’s philanthropic organisation, United for D.C., will organise a volunteer activity.

The delegation will also visit the office of international broadcaster ESPN in Washington to learn about the sports media world.—Anwar Iqbal