Manizha Talash, a 21-year-old ‘B-Girl’ from Afghanistan, has fled her country to dedicate her life to the new Olympic sport of breaking. She is set to compete in the Paris Games as part of the Refugee Team, a bittersweet prospect for her as she would love to compete with the Afghan team but knows it is impossible. Breaking, a competitive form of breakdancing, will make its debut in the Paris Olympics, with Talash among the 16 ‘B-Girls’ who will be competing in this dance discipline. Talash found her passion for breaking after seeing a video online and immediately knew it was what she wanted to do with her life. Despite facing disapproval from her family and receiving death threats, Talash continued to pursue her dream of becoming Afghanistan’s first B-Girl.
As the only girl among the 56 members of the Superiors Crew in Kabul, Talash faced opposition not only from her family but also from conservative Afghans who disapprove of dancing. She received bomb threats and ultimately had to close the club she trained in after the police arrested a man who was planning to attack it. After the Taliban took control of Kabul in August 2021, outlawing music and dancing, most girls were barred from high school, women from universities, and the Taliban stopped Afghan female staff from working at aid agencies. Despite the challenges she faced, Talash did not leave Afghanistan out of fear of death but because breaking is her life, and she wanted to pursue her dream.
Talash spent a year in Pakistan before being granted refugee status in Spain, where she resumed training. With the help of friends and the Refugee Olympic Team, she was brought to Madrid and sponsored for six-days-a-week training in preparation for the Paris Olympics. Her mother, two brothers, and a sister were also granted refugee status and joined her in Madrid, giving her extra support and motivation. Talash feels that by pursuing her dream and competing in the Olympics, she is doing something for the women in Afghanistan, showing them that they can achieve their goals and make a difference. She hopes to inspire others to follow their dreams and make a positive impact in their communities.
Talash’s journey from Afghanistan to Madrid represents her resilience and determination to overcome obstacles and pursue her passion for breaking. Despite facing opposition and threats, she remained focused on her goal of competing in the Paris Olympics and did not let fear deter her. Her presence in the Refugee Team is a testament to her strength and perseverance, as well as her commitment to representing Afghanistan and inspiring other women to pursue their dreams. Through her participation in the Olympics, Talash hopes to make a difference and bring attention to the challenges faced by women in Afghanistan, showing that with determination and support, anything is possible.
The debut of breaking in the Paris Olympics will showcase the talent and determination of dancers like Talash, who have overcome adversity to pursue their passion for dance. The inclusion of breaking as an Olympic sport highlights the diversity and creativity of the Olympic movement, bringing a new dimension to the Games. Talash’s journey from Kabul to Madrid and her participation in the Refugee Team reflect the power of sport to unite people from different backgrounds and inspire others to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams. By competing in the Paris Olympics, Talash is not only representing Afghanistan but also empowering women and demonstrating the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
