B-girl India Wins Historic First Olympic Breaking Battle
PARIS — B-girl India from the Netherlands triumphed over refugee team member B-girl Talash in the inaugural Olympic breaking battle, kicking off the women’s competition as break dancing made its debut at the Paris Games on Friday.
India Sardjoe, known as “B-girl India,” advanced past Manizha Talash, or “B-girl Talash,” in a special pre-qualifying round before the main round-robin stage. This pre-qualifier was introduced in May after Talash, from Afghanistan, missed the initial registration for qualifying events. The International Olympic Committee invited her to compete due to her efforts to challenge Taliban restrictions in her home country.
During the match, Sardjoe showcased her power moves, while Talash focused on top rocking and footwork, later displaying a cape with the message “Free Afghan Women.”
The competition now progresses to the round-robin phase, where groups of four breakers will face off. Only two from each group will advance to the quarterfinals, semifinals, and ultimately the final to determine the champion.
Before the battles began, American rapper Snoop Dogg made a memorable entrance to “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” exciting the crowd. The 17 competing b-girls were introduced, with the French and U.S. b-girls receiving the loudest cheers.
The judges, esteemed b-boys and b-girls from around the world, were positioned between a circular dance floor designed like a vinyl record and a large boombox, celebrating the breakbeat—the key element of breaking that allows dancers to shine.