A small village in Rajasthan's Pali district has suddenly found itself in the international spotlight, and the reason is one girl's grit. Arunima Jaitawat, who belongs to Sisarwada village in the Sojat subdivision, has been selected for the Indian team at the ISF World School Volleyball Championship being held in China. What makes her story stand out is her journey: she was born in Japan, did her early schooling in Singapore, and will now step onto Chinese soil wearing India's jersey to win a medal for her country. Her story is as fascinating as it is inspiring.
Arunima has been picked for the ISSO India team for the tournament being held from July 1 to 10 in Shangluo, China. By breaking into a competition of this international level, she has brought pride not just to her village but to all of Rajasthan and the country. Since her selection, her family and the entire surrounding region have been celebrating, with her relatives feeling immense pride in their daughter's remarkable achievement.
Born in Japan, Early Schooling in Singapore
Arunima originally hails from Sisarwada village and comes from a distinguished family background. Her grandfather, Shivjisingh Jaitawat, is a retired police official. Her father, Jitendrasingh Jaitawat, served as the CEO of a multinational company in Singapore, while her mother, Rajendra Kanwar, is a professor. Arunima was born in Japan, after which the family shifted to Singapore. She completed her education up to Class 8 in Singapore itself. Her younger sister, Jigyasa Jaitawat, also studied up to Class 6 in Singapore. The family currently lives in Jaipur, and both sisters study at Jayshree Periwal International School.
A Strong Record From Singapore to India
Arunima's dedication to the sport has been outstanding from the very start. During her school years in Singapore, she made a name for herself by winning gold medals twice in a row at the Singapore National School Games. On top of that, she captained her school's under-14 and under-16 volleyball teams in inter-school competitions. Her impressive form continued after she returned to India. In 2025, she represented ISSO India at the Under-17 Girls SGFI National Volleyball Championship. It is on the strength of this very talent that she is now set to represent India in China.
Playing for the National Team Is the Ultimate Goal
Speaking about her dreams and hard work, Arunima shared that she started playing volleyball back in Class 6. To sharpen her game, she puts in about two hours of intense practice every day. She said her ultimate goal is to play consistently for the Indian national team and to raise the country's name on the world stage. Arunima's big success has sparked a wave of joy across her family, Sisarwada village, and the entire Pali district.
