Refugee wrestler Manizha Talash, or “b-girl Talash,” was disqualified from first ever Olympics break the competition on Friday after she wore a cape that read “Free Afghan Women” during her pre-qualifier match against India Sardjoe – known as “b-girl India.”
The 21-year-old, originally from Afghanistan and represents Olympic Refugee Teamlost in preliminaries against Sardjoe and would not have advanced even if she had not been disqualified.
Political statements and slogans are suspended on the playing field and on the podium at the Olympics. World DanceSport Federation, the governing body of break at the Olympics, issued a statement afterward saying she was “disqualified for displaying a political slogan on her clothing during the preliminaries.”
Abbie Parr / AP
Talash sought asylum in Spain after fleeing Taliban rule in his home country in 2021.
“I’m here because I want to achieve my dream. Not because I’m afraid,” she told The Associated Press ahead of the Olympics from Spain, where she was granted asylum.
The one-time preparatory battle between Talash and Sardjoe was added in May, when Talash was included in the Olympic list after the b-girl from Afghanistan missed the registration for qualifying events. The International Olympic Committee board invited her to participate after learning of her efforts to defy the Taliban’s strict rule in her home country.
Frank Franklin / AP