Pursuing a sport in Dhaka can be a cumbersome task, given the lack of parks, pockets of green space or even a designated sidewalk for pedestrians. Picking up a sport can also be a tough decision, the amount of physical labour you are willing to put in, the proximity of the location where you can practise and your overall dedication to the game.

With the advent of the potato-couch like lifestyle that us Dhakaiites are becoming more and more accustomed to, it has become exceedingly important to partake in some kind of physical excursion to keep the doctor's visit at bay.

To guide you in this endeavour, Star Lifestyle has put together some go-to destinations in your quest for a fitter you.

Cricket

Although not on the top list of calorie burners, cricket lovers do not really consider that a drawback owing to their love for the game. A game of passion and love in Bangladesh, you will find matches being played in every street corner and rooftop with cola crates sufficing for stumps.

Although there are countless options when looking for a place to learn this sport now ubiquitous in Bangladesh, Abahani Krira Chakra located in Dhanmondi Road 12/A is one of the more reputed ones.  Admission starts at Tk.1000 and the monthly fees is Tk.500.

Basketball

High in energy, loads of fun and a good way to rid yourself of that double cheese-burger you downed at lunch, basketball is the go-to sport for many. Learn how to shoot that ball at the Basketball Federation beside Abahani Maath on Road 13/A of Dhanmondi with monthly fees falling at only Tk.400 a month. You can also learn basketball at the Women's Complex situated at Road 11/A, Dhanmondi R/A, where the admission is Tk.500 and the monthly fee is Tk.1,000.

Karate

Influenced by Chinese martial arts, this is one of the most popular self-defense sports as well as recreational activities in the world. After all who has not grown up watching Karate Kid as a child?

Taught in many places throughout the city, find a place that is best suited for you. Women's Complex provides a good option where you can learn karate with admission and monthly fees of Tk.500 each. Karate is also taught at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture in Dhanmondi.

Tennis

Enjoyed worldwide for its recreational value, tennis is also extremely popular as a spectator sport with the four Grand Slam tournaments tuning in huge numbers of viewers. Incredibly physically demanding, this sport packs in a lot of fun moments.

You can choose to play tennis at the National Tennis Federation located near Ramna, Gulshan Club, Uttara Club and Dhaka Club.

Swimming

In the harsh Dhaka summers, nothing can be more relaxing than a dip in the pool. It is time to pack your towels and head over to the nearest swimming pool and flex those muscles in the water.

Swimming is taught at Women's Complex where the admission fee is Tk.500 and the monthly fee is Tk.1500. Many gyms and clubs such as Uttara Club, Gulshan Club and Dhaka Club also have swimming facilities for their members.

Along with the above mentioned sports there are many different sports you can pursue here. Badminton in winter and football throughout the year are commonplace in the urban scene of Dhaka. So play on!