Disqualification Shakes First Olympic Breaking Event: The Tale of Manizha Talash

Manizha Talash, a refugee from Afghanistan and breaking dancer known as 'b-girl Talash,' was disqualified from the first-ever Olympic breaking competition for wearing a cape that read 'Free Afghan Women.' Despite the disqualification, she would not have advanced in the competition. Talash had sought asylum in Spain after fleeing Taliban rule in 2021.

Manizha Talash, also known as 'b-girl Talash,' was disqualified from the inaugural Olympic breaking competition after sporting a cape reading 'Free Afghan Women' during her pre-qualifier battle against India Sardjoe.

The 21-year-old Afghan refugee, representing the Olympic Refugee team, was disqualified due to Olympic regulations banning political statements on the field of play and podiums. Despite this, Talash would not have advanced in the competition after losing the pre-qualifier battle to Sardjoe.

World DanceSport Federation issued a statement clarifying the reason for her disqualification. Talash, who sought asylum in Spain in 2021 to escape Taliban rule, was added to the Olympic roster by the International Olympic Committee's executive board in recognition of her defiance against the Taliban's restrictive policies on women.

(With inputs from agencies.)