Javelin superstar Neeraj Chopra reveals his hidden talent in the kitchen, mastering essential life skills, including his favorite dish: “namkeen chawal.”
From Javelin Field to Kitchen Counter
At just 13 years old, Neeraj Chopra left home to chase his javelin dreams. This journey soon led him to live independently in different countries, requiring him to learn vital life skills beyond sports.
One such skill was cooking, which became a fundamental necessity for an athlete needing precise nutrition. Neeraj embraced this challenge, starting with simple dishes and gradually expanding his culinary repertoire.
The Athlete’s Culinary Journey
Neeraj shared his cooking experiences during a chat with Duolingo English Test takers. He explained that cooking is essential for athletes to ensure they eat correctly and maintain their demanding diets.
His cooking adventure began with “Namkeen Chawal,” a Haryanvi specialty often described as a vegetarian biryani. From there, he learned to prepare other staples like dal, various vegetables, rice, and roti.
Neeraj’s Signature Dish: Namkeen Chawal
Among all the dishes, “Namkeen Chawal” holds a special place in Neeraj’s heart. He calls it his favorite thing to cook, perfecting it over the years.
He enjoys serving it with raita and salad, adding a generous pour of desi ghee for an amazing taste. This savory rice dish was the very first recipe he mastered after moving away from home.
Balancing Training and Table
The early days were tough, as Neeraj had to manage intense training sessions twice a day while also cooking three meals daily. However, he learned to strike the right balance, turning a challenge into a manageable routine.
He emphasized that an athlete’s relationship with their diet is profound, requiring meticulous care and often, self-preparation of meals.
Life Lessons Beyond the Field
Addressing a group of students, Neeraj offered valuable advice: patience is key. He encouraged them to embrace independence, stating that learning to manage on your own prepares you for bigger challenges in life.
He takes pride in the self-sufficiency he developed, seeing it as a crucial part of his overall journey, both in sports and in life.
- Neeraj Chopra started cooking at 13 after leaving home for javelin training.
- His favorite dish to cook is “Namkeen Chawal,” a Haryanvi vegetarian biryani.
- He learned to cook as a basic necessity for maintaining an athlete’s strict diet.
- Neeraj initially found it tough to balance training and daily cooking but eventually found his rhythm.
- He advises young people to learn independence as it prepares them for greater challenges.
Neeraj Chopra’s story highlights how pursuing a passion can lead to mastering unexpected life skills, proving that success often comes from dedication both on and off the field.
