Indian team lost to Iran in the Final of Women’s Kabaddi event at Asian Games 2018, on Friday. And who was the reason for India’s downfall at the Gold medal match? An Indian itself! Well, there’s no conspiracy theory here, if you are thinking of any. The reason for India’s pitfall in the crucial match was Shailaja Jain. Who's she?

The 61-year-old Shailaja who was the chief architect of India’s loss said that she spotted India’s chink in the armour and went after it. India’s had a striking negative on the right side of its defence. She then devised a plan, and it turned out to be quite successful. She said, “Within 2-3 minutes, India’s morale was down after our raiders attacked that right corner. Their defence crumbled, and we took advantage.”

‘Mrs Jain; is what the Iranians call her. It was because of her strategies and tactics that India lost the game. She said that she could have helped the Men’s team with some inputs; however, the Indian team looked at her like a criminal for coaching outside. She said, “If they had asked nicely, I might have even helped the Indian men’s team with insights into the Iranian opponents they lost to yesterday. But their attitude makes me feel like I am a criminal for coaching outside.”

Talking about her journey, Shailaja said, “I was not only reluctant but worried about going to Iran. I’m a pure veg-eating Jain. And you know how some of us think about Islamic countries. So, of course, I was wary of the dressing laws and how women are treated, and whether I’d be able to get vegetarian food. But many things are misconceptions. There are certain restrictions, but not all of them are bad.”

India lost the match 24-27 to Iran and eventually had to settle for the Silver medal in Women’s Kabaddi event. Heading into the tournament as favourites, the Indian women team met the same fate as the Indian Men’s Kabaddi team had, a day before, against the same opponents.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 25, 2018 01:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).