B-Girl Manizha Talash was disqualified from her debut Olympics at the pre-qualifier battle of the breaking competition. This decision was taken after the event on Friday as Talash, who was representing the Olympic Refugee Team, revealed a baby blue jacket on stage with the words ''FREE AFGHAN WOMEN'' emblazoned on the back.
Manizha Talash's Powerful Slogan
Manizha Talash is an Afghan refugee who was a part of the Refugee Olympic Team for the Paris Olympics 2024, representing the team and the breaking events. At her debut appearance in the pre-qualifier event, the B-Girl revealed a cape under her jacket with the words ''Free Afghan Women''.
The World DanceSport Federation, which governs breaking at the Olympics, released a statement saying, ''B-Girl TALASH was disqualified for displaying a political slogan on her attire during the Pre-Qualifier battle. Results have been updated accordingly.''
USAToday stated that the act was a violation of Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter, which says that political protests or messaging is prohibited on the field of play at the Olympic Games.
The chair of the disciplinary committee of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) reportedly issued a warning to Talash thereafter, as the Refugee Olympic Team is created and overseen by the IOC.
Though the political statement has received a huge backlash, the bold move has also received praise from many.
An associate writer at Slate Magazine, Nadira Goffe, wrote on X, ''I would like to say that it’s only been 11 minutes of breaking and a competitor already pulled out a surprise jacket that says “Free Afghan Women”—THAT is breaking. THAT is hip-hop culture.''
Who Is Manizha Talash?
Manizha was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, and found her love for breakdancing through social media during her teenage years. She joined a group of dancers in Kabul thereafter and began training.
However, as the Taliban rose back to power in Afghanistan, it became more difficult than ever for women to participate and compete in sports, especially in breakdancing, where Manizha is considered by many as the first B-Girl of Afghanistan.
She consequently left Afghanistan in 2021 alongside her siblings and immigrated to Spain, where she was able to resume her training after some time.
Despite societal challenges, political tension, and her entire family's safety on the line, 21-year-old Talash managed to secure her spot on the Refugee Olympic Team for the Paris Games.
''I'll compete for my friends and for their dreams and hopes,'' she told BBC. ''The girls of Afghanistan will never surrender. Whatever pressure you put on an Afghan girl - restrict her, or even imprison her - she'll definitely find a way out and will definitely achieve her goals. We fight and we will win.''
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