The arrival of modern equipment has boosted the participation of students in the Rajshahi University (RU) central gymnasium. Partho Prathim Mullick, deputy director of the physical exercise & education (PEE) department and also the gym instructor, explains to students the benefits of physical exercise. He also shows them how to work out in the gym.

“Both male and female students do physical exercise here. Many girls, such as national athletes Shirin Akter and Zakia Sultana, trained in the gymnasium. It's open from 6.30am to 8.00am for female students. For male students, it’s open from 4.30pm to 7.00pm every day," he said.

“To be a member of this gymnasium, a student must complete registration with photocopies of his/her ID card and photographs. Currently, there are about 1,200 members. Earlier, only 20–30 students used to come to the gymnasium. But now, about 350 students come here every day,” he added.

The gymnasium has around 16 types of instruments.

The gymnasium provides indoor games facilities like carrom, basketball, table tennis and chess.

Sources said that the authorities provided some state-of-the-art instruments last September and this prompted the participation rush.

Jahidul Islam, a student of the philosophy department, said: “We're happy with the gymnasium. But we need a running machine and some other modern instruments. We also need air-conditioning in the gym. Besides, mirrors and facilities for listening to music should be added.”

 “Our athletes are performing well. Four of our athletes will take part in national and international levels next year,” said Mullick.

Moniruzzaman, director of the PEE department, said: “Even though the university gymnasium is well-equipped, work is underway to modernise it.”

“We purchased many instruments last year. A Korean company, Kyiko, has donated USD 44,000 for the development of the gym,” he added.