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PARIS – Manizha Talash, known as “b-girl Talash,” was disqualified from the first Olympic breaking competition on Friday after she wore a cape emblazoned with the words “Free Afghan Women” during her pre-qualifier match against India Sardjoe, also known as “b-girl India.” The 21-year-old, originally from Afghanistan and representing the Refugee Olympic Team, lost her match against Sardjoe, and she would not have advanced regardless of the disqualification.

According to the rules of the Olympic Games, political statements and slogans are prohibited on the competition field and on podiums. The World DanceSport Federation, the governing body for breaking at the Olympics, subsequently stated that she “was disqualified for displaying a political slogan on her clothing during the Pre-Qualifier match.”

Talash sought asylum in Spain after fleeing the Taliban regime in her home country in 2021. “I am here because I want to achieve my dream. Not because I am afraid,” she told the Associated Press from Spain, where she was granted asylum before the Olympics.

The specific pre-qualifier match between Talash and Sardjoe was added in May, after Talash was included in the Olympic roster following her missed registration for qualifying events. The Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) invited her to participate after learning about her efforts to challenge the harsh rules of the Taliban in her homeland.

Stay tuned for the latest updates from today’s Olympic action.
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