Neeraj Chopra Opens Up About His Journey in an Exclusive Chat with Duolingo English Test
Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra recently held a candid fireside chat with students preparing to study abroad, offering advice and encouragement during a conversation that focused on the shared experiences of embarking on a journey that demands courage, resilience, and the ability to adapt to new environments.
The event, which took place online, was part of an ongoing collaboration between Neeraj Chopra and the Duolingo English Test (DET). The conversation can be watched at www.youtube.com/watchv=ZJBG2EEpWZ8.
Shalini, Shreyas, and Jesai, the first DETermined Ambassadors, an exclusive community of DET Takers, were part of the discussion. The DET is a fully online test that costs only USD $70 (approx. Rs. 6,000) and delivers results within 48 hours. It is widely accepted by over 5,900 institutions worldwide, including top universities in the USA and Canada.
Neeraj Chopra emphasized the importance of being well-prepared and staying motivated throughout the process, drawing from his own journey of dedication and resilience as a sportsperson. He also spoke about how embracing new challenges and maintaining a positive mindset can help students succeed, just as it has helped him in his athletic career.
The Olympic champion offered practical advice to students, such as learning basic cooking before moving out and being self-reliant in living away from home. He also shared a personal story about breaking his wrist during training and how he overcame the setback to win a national medal within six weeks.
Neeraj Chopra identified the biggest challenge for Indians abroad as food, but he also shared his personal journey with learning English using the Duolingo app. He emphasized the importance of having a strong mindset for overcoming challenges and achieving success.
The dialogue highlighted that the mindset needed for sporting success is not too different from what students need to succeed abroad. Neeraj Chopra's journey demonstrates the importance of strength, resilience, and a strong mindset for achieving success, whether it is on the athletic field or in the classroom.
The event was part of a broader initiative with DET to inspire young Indians to transform their ambitions into reality. Neeraj Chopra offered students candid advice and encouragement as they prepare to step out of their comfort zones and build a life overseas. With accessible tools like the DET, students can overcome language barriers and confidently pursue studies overseas.
Neeraj Chopra, during his conversation with Shalini, Shreyas, and Jesai, discussed the relevance of sports-analysis in education, stating that the mindset required for sporting success is not too dissimilar from what's essential for academic achievement. He recommended the Duolingo app, a cost-effective tool for overcoming language barriers and embarking on educational journeys abroad. Furthermore, he encouraged students to pursue sports and education simultaneously, as his own experiences show that resilience in sports can also lead to success in academics.