![Refugee Olympic team's Manizha Talash competes](https://imagevars.gulfnews.com/2024/08/10/Refugee-Olympic-team-s-Manizha-Talash-competes_1913c38f55c_medium.jpg)
Paris: Olympic Refugee Team breakdancer Manizha Talash from Afghanistan was disqualified from the breaking competition after she wore a cape saying "Free Afghan Women", the World DanceSport Federation told AFP on Saturday.
B-girl Talash, 21, unveiled the blue top with the slogan on Friday just before the first duel of the whole competition, against India Sardjoe of the Netherlands.
"Refugee athlete B-girl Talash... was disqualified for displaying a political slogan on her attire in violation of Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter," the association said in a statement to AFP.
That rule states that "no kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas".
![Refugee Olympic team's Manizha Talash](https://imagevars.gulfnews.com/2024/08/10/Refugee-Olympic-team-s-Manizha-Talash_1913c44c6f4_original-ratio.jpg)
Born in Kabul, under Taliban control since 2021, Talash fled the country to live in Spain with her two brothers.
Before arriving in Spain, she spent a year in hiding in Pakistan because she did not have a passport.
"I didn't leave Afghanistan because I'm afraid of the Taliban or because I can't live in Afghanistan," she said before the competition.
"I left because I want to do what I can for the girls in Afghanistan, for my life, my future, for everyone."
In Kabul, she discovered breaking online and joined a local club, where she was the only girl.
Despite the risks - the troupe was forced to switch practice venues after receiving death threats - she was determined to pursue her passion.
"I took the risk of becoming a target. I have fear in my heart but I won't give up," she told AFP in 2021.
Six athletes represented Afghanistan - including three women not acknowledged by the Taliban government - at the Paris Olympics in cycling, athletics, swimming and judo.