Pakistani Boxer Among Athletes Reported Missing Following Commonwealth Games

Several athletes have been reported missing in Scotland following the conclusion of the Commonwealth Games 2026, prompting an investigation by Police Scotland into competitors who failed to return home with their respective teams.

Police Scotland confirmed it had received reports of a number of athletes who were “unaccounted for” after the Games ended in Glasgow on Sunday. Authorities said investigations are underway and that they are coordinating with the UK Home Office.

“Police Scotland has received reports of several athletes who are unaccounted for. Enquiries are ongoing to assess the circumstances, and early engagement is taking place with the Home Office,” a police spokesperson said.

Four Ugandan Boxers Reportedly Missing

According to Ugandan broadcaster NBS Sport, four members of Uganda’s six-member boxing team did not board their scheduled flight home. The missing athletes have been identified as Nuhu Batte, Angel Katushabe, Ibrahim Kemis, and Emily Nakalema.

The broadcaster reported that one of the missing boxers said the group intended to seek asylum in Scotland and pursue their boxing careers there, citing better training facilities and opportunities. The athlete also appealed to people back home not to judge their decision.

Officials from Team Uganda declined to comment on the reports, while the remaining members of the Ugandan contingent have already returned home.

Pakistani Boxer Also Reported Missing

In a separate incident, Pakistani boxer Qudratullah was reported missing after failing to join the country’s contingent for its return journey. According to Pakistan Today, team officials discovered he was absent from his accommodation before departure.

A source quoted by the publication said Qudratullah disappeared after completing his campaign in Glasgow. The case has raised questions among officials because his passport was reportedly being held by the team manager at the time.

“The interesting thing is Qudratullah disappeared despite his passport being with the team manager,” the source was quoted as saying.

Similar Cases Reported in Previous Games

This is not the first such incident at the Commonwealth Games. During the 2022 Birmingham Games, Pakistani boxers Suleman Baloch and Nazeerullah Khan were also reported missing after the competition despite their passports reportedly being with team officials.

Glasgow 2026 organisers said they are working with law enforcement and immigration authorities to ensure the safe departure of athletes and officials.

“Over the last two weeks, we have welcomed 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories of the Commonwealth to Glasgow. As athletes and support staff leave the city, we continue to work closely with Police Scotland, Border Force and UK Visas & Immigration to ensure a safe and secure conclusion to the Games,” Glasgow 2026 spokesperson Sophie Ashcroft said.

Incidents involving athletes overstaying or going missing after major international sporting events are not unprecedented. Following the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australian authorities reported that dozens of athletes and officials failed to leave the country after the event, while many others applied for asylum.

More than 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories participated in the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, which concluded on Sunday after 11 days of competition.