2024-08-11 06:32:28
Paris: Break dancer Manizha Talaash, representing the refugee team at the Olympics, was disqualified on Friday. During the pre-qualifiers, she wore a dress emblazoned with the slogan “Free Afghan Women” (Free Afghan Women ko Azadi Do). While this 21-year-old break dancer wouldn’t have advanced regardless, as she lost to India’s Sardojo.
Sardojo, known as ”B-Girl India,” adheres to a policy that bans political statements and slogans on the field and podium at the Olympics. The World DanceSport Federation later confirmed that Talaash was disqualified for displaying a political slogan on her attire during a pre-qualifier match.
Manizha fled Afghanistan in 2021 and sought asylum in Spain.
Discovering Breakdancing
Originally from Kabul, Manizha stumbled upon breakdancing through social media just before her 18th birthday. Inspired by powerful moves like the 1990 (a continuous one-handed spin), she joined a small group of local breakdancers.
After arriving in Spain as a refugee in 2022, Manizha joined the Refugee Olympic Team in Madrid. She became part of the historic debut of breaking at the Paris Olympics, held at the iconic Place de la Concorde.
The competition featured 17 talented b-girls who battled it out in intense competition. Japan’s Ami Yuwasa emerged victorious, defeating Lithuania’s Dominika ‘Nika’ Banevich in the final. China’s Liu ‘671’ Qingyi secured the bronze medal.