“Freedom for Afghan women”: the message of refugee Manizha Talash in the middle of a breakdance battle at the Olympics

Afghan Bgirl Manizha Talash, a member of the Refugee Olympics team, was disqualified on Friday after displaying a political message during her breakdancing performance in Paris. Before starting her duel against the Dutch Bgirl India, Talash revealed a blue cape emblazoned with the inscription “Liberate Afghan Women”. This action violated rule 50 of the Olympic charter, which prohibits any expression of political opinions during the Olympics. The International Dancesport Federation confirmed his disqualification for this violation.

Manizha Talash, born in Kabul, fled Afghanistan with her brothers to settle in Spain after the Taliban took power in 2021. Before the competition, she had expressed her determination to represent Afghan girls and fight for their future. Talash discovered breakdancing at the age of 18 on the Internet, and it was thanks to the universality quota that she was able to participate in the first Olympic Games hosting this discipline. Unfortunately, she lost her duel against Bgirl India before being disqualified.

The competition, which took place at La Concorde, saw the Japanese Bgirl Ami, 25, win the first Olympic title in the history of breakdancing, marking an important milestone for this art originating from hip-hop culture. Despite her disqualification, Manizha Talash remains a notable figure at these Games, symbolizing the fight for women's rights in her country of origin.

Alice Leroy