2024 Paris Olympics: Olympic Athlete from a Refugee Team Disqualified Due to "Free Afghan Women" Message

Manizha Talash, an Afghan B-girl competing for the Refugee Olympic Team in Paris 2024, was eliminated from the competition after wearing a cape with the words "Free Afghan Women" on it during her breaking performance on Friday. Talash, a Spanish resident, walked to the stage bearing a strong message. She was wearing a light blue cape with the words "Free Afghan Women" printed in big white letters. The 21-year-old's protest was intended to raise awareness of the situation of women in her native country who live under Taliban control on a global scale. But when breaking's governing body, the World DanceSport Federation, confirmed her expulsion for breaking Olympic rules that forbade political statements on the field of play, her routine against India Sardjoe of the Netherlands ended in controversy.

"The World DanceSport Federation disqualified Talash for wearing clothing with a political slogan," the organization said in a statement issued on Friday.

Following the Taliban's comeback to power in August 2021, women in Afghanistan have been subject to harsh limitations. Girls' high schools have been shut down, women are not allowed to travel without a male guardian, and there are stringent restrictions on where they can go to parks, gyms, and other public areas. The IOC has made it plain that no Taliban official has been accredited for the Paris Games, a protest against the regime's repressive practices, even though it permits Afghan athletes to compete under the Refugee Olympic Team.

In the meantime, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif won the gold medal in the women's 66kg division of the Paris 2024 Olympics, defeating Yang Liu, the reigning Chinese world champion, 5-0  year after being disqualified from the World Championships due to a gender eligibility controversy.

Khelif made history when she won the welterweight title by unanimous decision, becoming the first female athlete from Africa or the Arab world to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing.

Khelif took the initiative right away and won the first two rounds with a decisive advantage. With the boisterous backing of a crowded Roland Garros arena and her aggressive style, she won the fight. With her southpaw jab and deft combinations, Yang tried to change the game, but Khelif's constant pressure and strong blows put her opponent on the back foot.

Yang tried to step up her aggression as the fight went on in an effort to get closer, but Khelif's greater skill and willpower were too much to overcome.

Khelif demonstrated her supremacy without a doubt in the decisive round. She sealed her victory and set off raucous fan celebrations by winning every round according to the scorecards of all five judges.