Manizha Talash, an Afghan B-Girl and member of the Refugee Olympic Team was disqualified from the Paris Games after she exhibited words written ‘Free Afghan Women’ on her cape during her pre-qualifier breaking routine on Friday. The demonstration was against restrictions faced by females especially in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime.
She lives in Spain and had been up against India Sardjoe from the Netherlands for a pre-qualifier.She wore a light blue cape with “Free Afghan Women” written in large white letters during her performance thus leading to disqualification.
21-year-old Talash was reportedly disqualified by World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) which stated that all political slogans have been banned under Olympics rules regarding field of play or podiums.
“Talash has been disqualified for having displayed a political slogan on her outfit” Reuters reports cited federation authorities saying.
In its third participation in the Olympics, this time involving 37 athletes competing in 12 different sports, the Refugee Olympic Team hopes to demonstrate solidarity and offer hope to displaced people globally. On this team there are three women and three men representing Afghanistan, reflecting on how difficult it is for Afghan athletes especially women living under Taliban rule.
Women’s rights have taken major steps backwards since the Taliban took over Afghanistan last August. High school girls’ schools are closed; women cannot travel without a male guardian; they are not allowed into parks or gymnasiums. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) notes that no accreditation has been issued to any members of the Taliban for the Paris games despite these conditions.
Both heads of state and secretary general of Afghanistan’s national Olympic committee which is recognized by IOC currently live abroad. It also shows that IOC really rejected oppressive policies adopted by them particularly towards Afghan female athletes when deciding to permit their participation at games.
