Mumbai: The Duolingo English Test (DET), a global leader in digital English proficiency assessment, has launched a new digital campaign featuring Olympic and World Champion Neeraj Chopra. The initiative aims to motivate young Indian learners to pursue their global education goals through focused effort and consistent practice. Titled “Dream. Practice. Win,” the campaign draws a compelling parallel between the journeys of elite athletes and aspiring students striving for international academic success.
Conceptualised and produced by Kulfi Collective, the campaign kicked off with a hero film starring Neeraj Chopra alongside Duolingo’s beloved mascot, Duo. Set on a training field, the film gently reminds viewers that first attempts are seldom perfect—but discipline, perseverance, and daily effort are what truly drive success. As the narrative unfolds, the campaign echoes the sentiment that no dream becomes global without determination and hard work.
As one of India’s most iconic global athletes, Neeraj Chopra’s story mirrors that of many Indian students preparing for high-stakes exams like the DET. His decision to train abroad and relentless pursuit of excellence strongly resonate with the values of resilience, self-belief, and ambition shared by learners aspiring to study overseas.
“This campaign is deeply rooted in the belief that progress comes from showing up, again and again, even when it’s hard,” said Tara Kapur, India Market Lead, Duolingo English Test. “Neeraj’s journey perfectly captures the mindset of DET learners—ambitious, focused and determined to go global. Through this collaboration, we’re proud to highlight how the Duolingo English Test supports that spirit with an accessible, affordable and modern path to international education.”
The digital-first campaign has already generated buzz online. A playful teaser reel released last week saw Neeraj humorously “javelin-throwing” Duo all the way to the moon—symbolising record-breaking aspirations. The main film followed shortly after, reinforcing DET’s quirky brand tone while delivering an impactful message.
A highlight of the campaign was an exclusive meet-and-greet and fireside chat between Neeraj Chopra and Duolingo English Test takers. Neeraj shared personal stories of adapting to life abroad and offered motivational insights for students navigating similar life transitions.
Pourush Turel, Account Director, Kulfi Collective, added, “It was an exciting collaboration with a true blue Olympian. We wanted to draw powerful parallels to the journey of an athlete and that of a young student preparing to study abroad. Both these journeys demand determination, relentless practice and stepping out of our comfort zones. With Neeraj, Duolingo and the Duolingo English Test, we found the perfect balance of inspiration and relatability. This campaign brings that narrative to life in a way that feels honest, culturally rooted, and deeply relevant to young India.”
The Duolingo English Test continues to redefine the path to international education. Accepted by over 5,900 institutions globally—including leading universities in the U.S. and Canada—DET is fully online, priced at just USD $70 (approximately ₹6,000), and delivers results within 48 hours. Designed for convenience and accessibility, it’s becoming the go-to English proficiency test for Indian students aiming to go global.
