Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter states that "no political, religious or racial demonstration or propaganda of any kind shall be permitted at any site.

Refugee breaker Talash, or “b-girl Talash,” was disqualified from the first ever Olympic breaking competition on Friday after she wore a cape that said “Free Afghan Women” during her pre-qualifier battle against India Sardjoe, known as “b-girl India.”

The 21-year-old, originally from Afghanistan and representing the Olympic Refugee Team, lost in the pre-qualifier battle against Sardjoe and would not have advanced even if she hadn’t been disqualified.

Political statements and slogans are banned on the field of play and on podiums at the Olympics. World DanceSport Federation, the governing body for breaking at the Olympics, issued a statement afterward that said she “was disqualified for displaying a political slogan on her attire during the Pre-Qualifier battle.”

Talash sought asylum in Spain after fleeing Taliban rule in her home country in 2021. “I’m here because I want to reach my dream. Not because I’m scared,” she told The Associated Press before the Olympics from Spain, where she was granted asylum.

The one-off pre-qualifier battle between Talash and Sardjoe was added in May, when Talash was included in the Olympic roster after the b-girl from Afghanistan missed registration for qualifying events. The International Olympic Committee’s executive board invited her to participate after learning of her efforts to defy the strict rule of the Taliban in her home country.

The Rule 50

The athlete was disqualified for displaying a garment bearing the message "free Afghan women". The Olympic Charter states that "as sport is an activity which is part of society, sport organisations within the Olympic Movement must apply the principle of political neutrality".

Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter states that "no political, religious or racial demonstration or propaganda of any kind shall be permitted at any site, facility or other place considered to be part of the Olympic venues". 

Therefore, by displaying an item of clothing containing a demonstration contrary to the above rule, the 21-year-old saw her participation in the Olympic Games come to an end.

"Talash has been disqualified for displaying a political message on her costume in violation of rule 50 of the Olympic Charter," said the International Dance Sport Federation.