By Paris, France – In a controversial decision at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Afghan refugee Manizha Talash, also known as “B-girl Talash,” was disqualified from the first-ever Olympic breaking competition on Friday. The disqualification came after Talash wore a cape with the slogan “Free Afghan Women” during her pre-qualifier battle against India’s Sardjoe, who is known in the breaking community as “B-girl India.”
Talash, 21 years old and originally from Afghanistan, represented the Olympic Refugee Team at the event. Although she lost the pre-qualifier battle against Sardjoe, the focus quickly shifted to her attire, which ultimately led to her disqualification. Officials confirmed that Talash would not have advanced in the competition even without the disqualification, as her performance did not meet the qualifying criteria.
The International Olympic Committee and World DanceSport Federation, the governing body for breaking at the Olympics, maintain strict rules against political statements and slogans on the field of play and on podiums. The Federation issued a statement clarifying that Talash was disqualified “for displaying a political slogan on her attire during the Pre-Qualifier battle.”
Talash’s story has drawn international attention, as she sought asylum in Spain after fleeing the Taliban’s oppressive rule in Afghanistan in 2021. Speaking to the Associated Press before the Olympics, Talash shared her motivations for competing despite the risks involved. “I’m here because I want to reach my dream. Not because I’m scared,” she said, explaining her decision to continue breaking despite the challenges she faced.
Talash’s journey to the Olympics was anything but straightforward. She was included in the Olympic roster only after a one-off pre-qualifier battle against Sardjoe was added in May. This decision came after the b-girl from Afghanistan missed registration for qualifying events. The International Olympic Committee’s executive board personally invited Talash to participate in the Games, recognizing her efforts to defy the Taliban’s restrictive policies on women’s sports in her home country.
The disqualification has sparked debate about the balance between Olympic regulations and the expression of political and social issues by athletes, especially those from conflict-ridden regions. While the rules are clear, the impact of Talash’s actions—and the subsequent response—has resonated far beyond the competition floor.
As the first Afghan woman to compete in Olympic breaking, Talash’s participation was symbolic of resilience and the struggle for freedom. Although her journey in the competition was cut short, her message continues to echo, highlighting the ongoing plight of Afghan women under Taliban rule.
APnews
