Refugee breakdancer disqualified from Paris Olympics for “Free Afghan Women” cape

US

Breaking hits the Olympic stage


Breaking makes Olympic debut in Paris

06:02

Refugee breaker Manizha Talash, or “b-girl Talash,” was disqualified from the first ever Olympic breaking competition on Friday after she wore a cape that said “Free Afghan Women” during her pre-qualifier battle against India Sardjoe — known as “b-girl India.”

The 21-year-old, originally from Afghanistan and representing the Olympic Refugee Team, lost in the pre-qualifier battle against Sardjoe and would not have advanced even if she hadn’t been disqualified.

Political statements and slogans are banned on the field of play and on podiums at the Olympics. World DanceSport Federation, the governing body for breaking at the Olympics, issued a statement afterward that said she “was disqualified for displaying a political slogan on her attire during the Pre-Qualifier battle.”

APTOPIX Paris Olympics Breaking
Refugee Team’s Manizha Talash wears a cape which reads “free Afghan women” in Paris, France.

Abbie Parr / AP


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.

The one-off pre-qualifier battle between Talash and Sardjoe was added in May, when Talash was included in the Olympic roster after the b-girl from Afghanistan missed registration for qualifying events. The International Olympic Committee’s executive board invited her to participate after learning of her efforts to defy the strict rule of the Taliban in her home country.

Paris Olympics Breaking
Refugee Team’s Manizha Talash wears a cape which reads “free Afghan women” in Paris, France.

Frank Franklin / AP


Products You May Like

Articles You May Like

Would-be robber dead after store owner shoots him; other 2 suspects flee
Third person dies in listeria outbreak tied to Boar’s Head deli meats
Mets rock Rockies behind Regis Jesuit grad David Peterson, Pete Alonso
8/4: CBS Weekend News – CBS News
Harris-Walz ‘Most Pro-Abortion Dem Ticket Yet’

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *