Manijeh Talash, an Afghan athlete and member of the refugee team participating in the 2024 Paris Olympics, has been disqualified from the games for displaying a political slogan (“Free Afghan Women”).
The India Today newspaper reported today (Saturday, August 20) that Ms. Talash competed against Igor India from the Netherlands yesterday and showcased the phrase “Free Afghan Women,” which was boldly written on her blue cape, after the match.
This Afghan athlete not only lost the breakdancing competition against “India Sardarju” from the Netherlands but has also been removed from the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The reason for the disqualification of this Afghan female athlete is cited as a violation of Olympic rules. According to Olympic regulations, displaying political messages during competitions is prohibited.
Article 50 of the Olympic Charter forbids any form of political, religious, or racial demonstrations or propaganda at the Olympic venue or other locations.
Although Ms. Talash was disqualified before the return matches, she managed to convey her message regarding women’s rights in Afghanistan on one of the largest sports stages.
Twenty-one-year-old Manijeh Talash, who fled to Spain following the current regime’s takeover in Afghanistan, is the first break dancer from Afghanistan to participate in the Olympics.
She lost to her Dutch opponent and told reporters after the match that she did not leave Afghanistan out of “fear of the Taliban.”
According to CNN, she added: “I left Afghanistan because I want to do everything I can for Afghan girls, for my future life, and for everyone.”
