Martina Navratilova called out the Paris Olympics 2024 organizers for disqualifying an Afghan breakdancer for wearing a cape adorned with the slogan 'Free Afghan Women'. Manizha Talash, originally from Afghanistan, was part of the Olympic Refugee Team. She participated in breakdancing, which made its debut at the event this year.
Paris Olympics 2024 has been hit with many controversies from the onset of the event. The opening ceremony was called the 'worst opening ceremony', while social media was sent into a frenzy due to Algerian boxer Imane Kheli's gender row.
As the quadrennial event came to a close, it was gripped with yet another controversy, this time involving a member of the Olympic Refugee Team. Breakdancer Manizha Talash was disqualified for 'displaying a political slogan on her attire', a statement by the World DanceSport Federation read.
The Afghani athlete was wearing a cape that had the slogan 'Free Afghan Women' inscribed on it. Martina Navratilova did not like the punishment meted out to her, and the American took to social media to express her anger.
"What a toxic misogynistic sh**show," Navratilova wrote.
For the unversed, the Olympics have been fielding a refugee team since the 2016 Rio Olympics. This year, 37 athletes from 11 countries of origin participated. Cindy Ngamba (originally from Cameroon) won their first-ever medal, a bronze, in women's 75 kg boxing in Paris.
Martina Navratilova voices her opposition to Imane Khelif and Lang Yu-ting's inclusion at Paris Olympics 2024
Martina Navratilova has been one of the most popular faces leading the social media uproar over the participation of Imane Khelif and Lang Yu-ting in boxing at the Paris Olympics 2024. The American has vehemently opposed the participation of the two due to an old failed 'gender eligibility test'.
Yu-ting and Khelif won the Olympic gold medals in 57kg and 66 kg respectively. Navratilova lashed out at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for letting it happen.
"This is what happens when you let males compete against females. And in boxing in particular- you don’t need any technique, really- because your punch is so much harder than anything coming at you. Despicable. And dangerous," Navratilova wrote.
"What a coincidence that both boxers who were not allowed to compete at IBA events now take the Olympic gold at the Olympics under the “watchful” eye of IOC rules- all comers with the right passport are welcome," she added.
Martina Navratilova has come under fire from fans for her harsh opinion surrounding Yu-ting and Khelif.