PARIS: Refugee team member Talash has been disqualified from the Olympic breakdancing competition after making a statement for women's rights in her native Afghanistan.
The 21-year-old removed her sweater during the opening battle against Dutch b-girl India on Friday (Aug 9) to reveal a cape with the writing "Free Afghan Women."
The World DanceSport Federation later said in a statement that Talash had been disqualified for "displaying a political slogan on her attire."
Talash had previously been eliminated in the pre-qualifier battle.
Athletes are prohibited from giving political messages at Olympic competitions, even though the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has somewhat eased restrictions ahead of the Tokyo Games.
Breakdancing, also known as breaking, made its Olympic debut on Friday.
Talash, whose real name is Manizha Talash, fled Afghanistan when the Taliban regained power in 2021. She said she had received death threats before leaving and now lives and trains in Madrid.
Talash stood no chance in the pre-qualifier battle as India advanced into the group stage at Place de la Concorde in the sport that originated in the Bronx borough of New York City as part of the local hip hop culture.
Rapper Snoop Dogg was a prominent spectator, with the gold medal to be decided later on Friday.
Its Olympic status may be a one-off as Los Angeles 2028 has decided to bring back softball/baseball instead. – DPA
