Refugee athlete Manizha Talash wore the words “Free Afghan Women” on her outfit during her Olympic competition in Paris.

The Afghan, who competes for the Refugee Olympic Team and as B-Girl Talash, had that message emblazoned in large letters on a cape she wore during her defeat to India or the Netherlands in pre-qualification, when the dance sport made its debut at the Games.

Political statements and slogans are prohibited on the playing field at the Olympic Games.

“I wanted to show people what was possible,” she told reporters.

Talash, originally from Kabul, lives in Spain and is one of the 37 athletes competing for the refugee team.

She fled Afghanistan after the Taliban returned to power in 2021, effectively banning music and dancing and barring women from entering classrooms and gyms.

The Taliban say they respect women’s rights in accordance with Sharia law.

Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter states that “no demonstration or political, religious or racist propaganda shall be permitted in any Olympic site, venue or other area.”

It states that in the event of a violation, each incident will be assessed by the respective National Olympic Committees, the International Federation and the International Olympic Committee and, if necessary, disciplinary action will be taken on a case-by-case basis.

Talash’s loss meant she was eliminated from the competition before the preliminary round, but her message was seen on the biggest stage her sport has ever been on.

The newest Olympic sport will not be held in Los Angeles in 2028, but hopes to show enough potential to be considered for Brisbane 2032.