Refugee b-girl disqualified for message at Olympics

Refugee athlete Manizha Talash was disqualified for displaying the words “free Afghan women” on her outfit during her Olympic breaking battle in Paris.

The Afghan, who was competing for the Refugee Olympic Team as B-girl Talash, had the message emblazoned in large letters on a cape she wore in her pre-qualifying battle against India of the Netherlands as the dance sport made its Games debut.

Talash lost but was later also disqualified because political statements and slogans are banned on the field of play at the Olympics.

“I wanted to show people what is possible,” she told reporters.

Talash, originally from Kabul, lives in Spain and is one of 37 athletes competing for the refugee team.

She fled Afghanistan after the Taliban returned to power in 2021 and effectively banned music and dancing, and barred females from classrooms and gyms.

The Taliban say they respect women’s rights in line with Sharia law.

Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter states “no kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas”.

It says if there is a breach, each incident will be evaluated by their respective National Olympic Committee, International Federation and the International Olympic Committee, and disciplinary action will be taken on a case-by-case basis as necessary.

Talash was eliminated from the competition before the round-robin stage but her message will have been seen on the biggest stage her sport has ever been on.

The Olympics’ newest sport will not be at Los Angeles 2028 although it will be hoping to show enough potential to be considered for Brisbane 2032.