大象传媒

The villagers of Mastichak in the conservative northern Indian state of Bihar are having to get used to a strange sight - young girls playing football at the local eye hospital.

Inspired by the film Bend It Like Beckham, many of the girls dream of becoming professional football players.

But, when they're not training on the pitch, they're also getting an education.

And it's hoped that some at least will resist the glamour of football to follow a career in optometry.

It's a skill which is much in demand in an area where thousands suffer from blindness and cataracts.

Outlook's Nivedita Pathak went to the training ground to see the girls of the Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital football team in action.