Refugee athlete Manizha Talash, competing under the name B-girl Talash, was disqualified from the Olympic breaking competition in Paris after displaying the words “free Afghan women” on her outfit. Talash, who was representing the Refugee Olympic Team, wore a cape emblazoned with the message during her pre-qualifying battle against India of the Netherlands. The bold statement violated Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter, which prohibits political statements and slogans on the field of play.
Originally from Kabul, Talash now resides in Spain after fleeing Afghanistan following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. The Taliban’s regime has severely restricted the rights of women, banning music, dancing, and barring females from education and public spaces such as gyms. Talash’s disqualification underscores the Olympic Committee’s strict enforcement of its non-political stance, even as her message resonated on one of the world’s largest stages.
Despite being eliminated from the competition before reaching the round-robin stage, Talash’s message brought global attention to the plight of Afghan women. Breaking, which made its Olympic debut at these Games, will not be featured in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, though it hopes to return for Brisbane 2032.
