Long hours await women students at universities between lecture courses, which they spend sitting aimlessly, as their choice is limited to spending the time in the cafeteria, facing alluring food and beverages. This results in weight increase and has adverse health effects on the body.

However, a group of women students recently asked to be allowed to exercise and play sport, and why not? As the saying goes: a sound mind in a sound body.

A number of students complained that there are no sport activities at public universities, while private universities pay a great heed to women sport activities. In the latter, students follow each semester any activity of their choice by formally registering to it, just like any academic course.

Rawan Yousef, a student at Princess Nora bint Abdul Rahman University, hopes to represent the Kingdom in the Olympics in the years to come. “We are demanding the establishment of a sport club after our studying hours, or in-between lectures, to exercise some kind of sport, such as aerobics, yoga, basketball, and swimming,” said Yousef.

She suggested a membership card with a nominal fee for each student. “Nobody knows, maybe years from now, one of us may represent the Kingdom in the Olympics.”

Jamal Al-Faris, sports official at King Saud University, stressed on the importance of sport activities at girls’ colleges. “Girls have the right to exercise just as boys,” he said.

He added that any woman who does not exercise would suffer adverse health effects, not the least obesity, which is a syndrome of illness in itself. “Playing sports and exercising have psychological impacts as well.”

From his point of view, women have the right to exercise according to Shariah law. Therefore, there should be sport clubs at universities.

Abdullah Al-Juhani, a parent, agrees with Al-Faris, adding that obesity has become common among women. “As parents, we spend some time during the week, in-between work hours, to take our girls to clubs and sport centers. But if clubs were established inside campuses, our girls could make use of the long time waiting for the next lecture,” he said.

Rayan Karkadan, a health trainer and founder of Mizan, a support group for health, said that any ordinary, healthy person should exercise for half an hour five days a week. “It is hard for girl students to exercise in the evening, after a long and tiring day at university, after which homework and house duties are awaiting her. So, it is better that they exercise during their free time at the campus,” said Karkadan, referring to the rising obesity levels and chronic diseases related to them.

Psychology professor at the Imam Muhammad bin Saud University, Manal Subaie, said that sports constituted an important factor in psychological and physical health. “Psychological stability and motivation of mind, as well as the intellectual output of humans, can only be achieved through sports and exercise,” said Subaie.

She stressed that this would help in easing the stress of everyday life, and adds fun, happiness, and psychological comfort. It also helps building self-confidence and frees the spirit from anxiety and depression.

Subaie referred to scientific studies that found those who exercise and play sports are more intelligent than those who do not. This also affects academic achievements.

“Since women constitute half of the society, they need more attention and care. We should unite our efforts to spread awareness on the importance of exercise and sport,” she said, adding that this would create a promising generation, laden with leadership skills and abilities, and a high level of intellectual maturity, social and mental serenity, and self-confidence. “I think it is about time that we consider seriously the application of sports in general, and for women in particular.”