Afghan b-Girl Manizha Talash, a member of the refugee Olympic team at the Paris Games, was disqualified after displaying the words “Free Afghan Women” on her cape during her breaking routine in the competition’s pre-qualifiers on Friday.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) forbids political slogans on the field of play or at the podium.
Talash, 21, was born in Afghanistan but fled the war-torn country in 2021. She currently lives in Spain.
#ManizhaTalash disqualified for wearing #FreeAfghanWomen at @parisolympicss.
Better to lose with honour than win with dishonour, is surely keeping with the @Olympics spirt?https://t.co/6kzaDMtnLQ
— MichaelMcCarthyFlynn (@mimccarthyflynn) August 10, 2024
Talash would go on to lose to India Sardjoe of the Netherlands.
World DanceSport announced the disqualification in an official statement, saying Talash was “disqualified for displaying a political slogan on her attire.”
Three men and three women from Afghanistan are represented in the Olympics. The Olympic refugee team includes 37 athletes in total.
