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A fghanistan B-girl Manizha Talash, who is currently participating at the 2024 Paris Olympics as a member of the Refugee Olympic Team, was disqualified from the Summer Games. The athlete, who resides in Spain, donned a strong message which read “Free Afghan Women” on her cape during her breaking routine at the Paris 2024 in the pre-qualifiers, was disqualified on Friday, August 9.
The 21-year-old athlete who has these three words written on her blue coloured cape, which were written in bold capital letters in white colour, aimed to draw attention to the plight of women under the Taliban rule in Afghanistan. As she took the pre-qualifiers at the Paris 2024, her routine against India Sardjoe of the Netherlands ended in a controversy which resulted in the governing body taking immediate action.
The World DanceSport Federation, which is the governing body of breaking, announced her disqualification for violating Olympic rules prohibiting political statements on the field of play. “Talash was disqualified for displaying a political slogan on her attire,” the World DanceSport Federation said in a statement.
Manizha Talash ahead of 2024 Paris Olympics
The 21-year-old, who was the first female breakdancer from Afghanistan to qualify for the Paris Olympics 2024, had earlier opened up on her preparations at the Summer Games. However, she revealed that she fled from the country three years ago, she has set her eyes on the medal at the Summer Games.
“I would love to go and compete with the Afghan team alongside other girls, but we all know that’s just impossible,” Talash had told Reuters. “I’m very happy because a few months ago it was just a dream but now I’m living inside my dream I can look at myself and say that I’m here, that I’ve made it.” she further added.
It is to be noted that breaking made its debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The event saw 16 B Girls and 16 B Boys compete in the dance discipline that has its roots in the New York Bronx of 1970s.
