PARIS (AP) — A refugee, Talach, or “break girl,” has been disqualified from a dance competition in France. First ever Olympic breaking competition Friday after she wore a “Free Afghan Women” abaya during her pre-qualifying fight against India Sarjoo – known as the “Indian Break Girl”.
The 21-year-old, who is from Afghanistan and represents the Refugee Olympic Team, lost in a pre-qualifying battle against Sardjoy and would not have advanced even if she had not been disqualified.
Political statements and slogans are banned on the court and podium at the Olympic Games. The World Dance Federation, the governing body of the brooks at the Olympics, issued a statement afterwards saying she was “disqualified for displaying a political slogan on her dress during a pre-qualification battle.”
Talash applied for asylum in Spain after fleeing Taliban rule in her home country in 2021.
“I am here because I want to achieve my dream, not because I am afraid,” she told The Associated Press before the Olympics from Spain, where she has been granted asylum.
The only qualifying battle between Talash and Sarjo was added in May, when Talash was added to the Olympic roster after the Afghan girl failed to register for qualifying events. The IOC Executive Board invited her to compete after learning of her efforts to challenge the Taliban’s strict rule in her home country.
___
AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games
