Afghan Refugee Breaker Disqualified at Paris Olympics for ‘Free Afghan Women’ Cape

Political statements and slogans are banned on the field of play and on podiums at the Olympics.

PARIS, France — Refugee breaker Manizha Talash, known as “b-girl Talash,” was disqualified from the first-ever Olympic breaking competition on Friday. She wore a cape with the message “Free Afghan Women” during her pre-qualifier battle against India’s Sardjoe, known as “b-girl India.”

The 21-year-old, originally from Afghanistan and representing the Olympic Refugee Team, lost the pre-qualifier battle against Sardjoe and would not have advanced regardless of the disqualification.

The World DanceSport Federation, which governs breaking at the Olympics, stated that she “was disqualified for displaying a political slogan on her attire during the Pre-Qualifier battle.” Political statements and slogans are strictly banned during Olympic competitions.

Talash sought asylum in Spain after fleeing Taliban rule in her home country in 2021. “I’m here because I want to reach my dream. Not because I’m scared,” she told The Associated Press before the Olympics from Spain, where she was granted asylum.

Her participation in the pre-qualifier battle came about after she missed the registration for qualifying events. In May, the International Olympic Committee’s executive board invited her to participate, recognizing her efforts to defy the Taliban’s strict regulations in Afghanistan.