Afghan breakdancer disqualified for wearing ‘Free Afghan Women” cape at Paris Olympics

Afghan athlete Manizha Talash was disqualified from the B-girl breaking competition at the Paris Olympics for wearing a cape displaying the political message "Free Afghan Women."

During her debut pre-qualifier round, the 21-year-old revealed a hidden blue cape inscribed with "Free Afghan Women." The action led to her disqualification by the World Dance Sport Federation for displaying a political message.

Manizha Talash fled Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover in 2021 and now lives in Spain. She was one of 37 athletes representing the Refugee Olympic Team at the Paris Olympics.

"I didn’t leave Afghanistan because I’m afraid of the Taliban or because I can’t live in Afghanistan," Talash said before participating in the game.

Videos of breaking sports on social media ignited Talash's interest in the game. However, she was unable to receive proper training due to her relocation to another country.

"I left because I want to do what I can for the girls in Afghanistan, for my life, my future, for everyone," she added.

"All refugees have a very difficult life, but they will go to the Games. So to me, to be part of the team, it means strength. People from my country and also girls would tell me, you need to learn how to cook and clean the house." Talash maintained. 

Since the Taliban assumed the reins of power in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of US and NATO forces, the United Nations and other humanitarian organisations have expressed deep concern over the deteriorating conditions for women's rights. 

The Taliban government imposed a ban on the education of girls above six-grade while women are also barred from attending universities or participating in sports.