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WATCH: Refugee athlete Manizha Talash showcases "free Afghan women" slogan on her outfit, gets disqualified from Paris Olympics 2024
Refugee athlete Manizha Talash was disqualified from the 2024 Paris Olympics for displaying a slogan that was considered political in nature.
Breaking, also known as break dancing, made its Olympic debut in Paris. A style of street dancing that originated in New York in the 1970s, it was introduced to the Games to attract new and younger audiences.
On Friday (August 9), Talash faced off against India Sardjoe of the Netherlands in her pre-qualifying battle. She got her performance underway by displaying the words "free Afghan women" in large letters on her outfit.
Watch the video if the same below:
The Afghan native, who was competing for the Refugee Olympic Team as B-girl Talash, lost to India and was later disqualified as that message was against the Olympic rules.
"I wanted to show people what is possible," she said after her performance.
Talash hails from Kabul but lives in Spain. She fled Afghanistan after the Taliban took control of the country in 2021. They effectively banned music and dancing and barred females from classrooms and gyms.
She moved to Spain with her 12-year-old brother when the Taliban's arrival forced her breakdancing club to close. Having arrived in the Mediterranean as a refugee in 2022, Manizha began training with the Refugee Olympic Team in Madrid. She is one of 37 athletes competing for the refugee team.
Refugee athlete Manizha Talash disqualified: What the Olympic rules say
The Olympic rules state that the focus at the event should be on the athletes’ performances, the sports as well as international unity and harmony. As athletes with different views, lifestyles, and values converge to participate in various events, it calls for everyone to respect diversity.
Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter specifically prohibits any demonstration of a political, religious, or racial nature during the course of the Games.
“No kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas,” the Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter reads.
Manizha Talash, or B-girl Talash, was disqualified from the competition before the round-robin stage for violating Rule 50 of the Olympics charter. After her performance, she was whisked past reporters in the mixed zone without taking questions.
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