Liu believes physical education in universities is under threat from the internet and the growth of entertainment options that are breaking the habit of physical exercise among students.

"Tsinghua's data from 2003 to 2015 showed male students slowed by about 30 seconds in running 3,000 meters and female students slowed by 17 seconds in running 1,500 meters. Similar declines are seen in other physical tests such as long jump, pullups or situps," Liu says.

The government's Middle- and Long-term Youth Development Plan (2016-25), released in April, aims to enhance physical health among young people, urging schools to "toughen the implementation of the National Students' Physical Health Standard and help develop the habit of lifelong exercise".

Other Chinese universities are adopting mandatory measures in physical education.

Xiamen University in East China's Fujian province, Sun Yat-sen University and South China University of Technology in Guangdong province, have listed swimming as a compulsory course.

Xi'an Jiaotong University in Shaanxi province requires students to learn tai chi, an ancient Chinese martial art.

Liu believes that in an exam-oriented system, physical education is often overlooked in primary and secondary schools. Once students reach university, it's hard to overcome physical inertia and embrace exercise. Tsinghua's mandatory measures have helped students develop better exercise habits to an extent, despite the initial complaints.

"The Tsinghua marathon has been held three times since 2015, and the number of entries grew from 2,200 in the first year to more than 3,000 this year. It is so popular that we have to draw entries now. It shows growing acceptance of running and physical exercise," Liu says.

Hu Kai, who won the 100 meters at the 2005 Summer Universiade (a multisport event for college students worldwide), has been one of Tsinghua's most outstanding student athletes. He has a doctorate and joined the staff of its Division of Sports Science and Physical Education. Hu believes many Chinese see physical education only as a way of improving fitness and overlook its education function in character-building.

"In many of the world's leading universities, competitive sports, such as rugby, are very popular. Courage, hard work and teamwork in the game embody the value of physical education," Hu says.

Yin's morning jogging club is growing fast, and some members are developing new sports groups such as evening jogging clubs and a winter swimming association.

China Features