Investigation Underway in Glasgow
Police Scotland has initiated an investigation into reports of several athletes from Pakistan and Uganda who did not return home following the conclusion of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The Games concluded on Sunday, and authorities confirmed on Tuesday that reports of unaccounted athletes had been received. Enquiries are ongoing to assess the circumstances, with early engagement taking place with the Home Office.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland stated that reports of several athletes being unaccounted for have prompted the investigation. The police are working to establish the circumstances surrounding these disappearances and are collaborating with the UK Home Office.
Ugandan and Pakistani Athletes Reported Missing
Among those reported missing are four boxers from Uganda’s six-member boxing team. According to NBS Sport, these athletes did not board their scheduled flight home on Tuesday. The missing Ugandan athletes have been identified as Nuhu Batte, Angel Katushabe, Ibrahim Kemis, and Emily Nakalema. One of the missing boxers reportedly informed the broadcaster of intentions to seek asylum in Scotland to pursue their boxing careers, citing better training facilities and opportunities. The athlete also requested understanding for their decision.
In a separate incident, Pakistani boxer Qudratullah was reported missing. He failed to join the rest of the Pakistan contingent for their return flight. Sources from the Pakistan Boxing Federation indicated that Qudratullah was last seen in his hotel room around 2 am. Team officials later checked his room but could not locate him. The Pakistan team was scheduled to gather at 9 am before heading to the airport. His passport and return ticket are reportedly still with the team manager.
The disappearance of Qudratullah has reportedly puzzled officials, especially since his passport was in the possession of the team manager. A spokesperson for Team Uganda declined to comment on the reports, while the remaining members of the Ugandan contingent have already returned home.
Previous Incidents at Commonwealth Games
This is not the first instance of athletes going missing after the Commonwealth Games. Similar cases have been reported in previous editions of the event. Following the 2018 Gold Coast Games, authorities were still searching for approximately 50 athletes and officials a month after the event concluded. Additionally, nearly 190 others had reportedly applied for asylum.
During the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Pakistani boxers Suleman Baloch and Nazeerullah Khan also disappeared, despite reports that their passports were held by the contingent management. Glasgow 2026 organisers have stated they are working with relevant authorities as athletes and officials depart the city. A spokesperson for Glasgow 2026, Sophie Ashcroft, noted that over 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories participated in the Games. She added that they continue to collaborate with partners including Police Scotland, Border Force, and UK Visas & Immigration to ensure a safe and secure conclusion to the Games.
The Pakistan contingent, consisting of 21 members, concluded the 2026 Commonwealth Games with one medal. Boxer Fatima Zahra secured a bronze medal in the women’s 60kg category, marking her as the first Pakistani female boxer to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games. This medal tally was the lowest for Pakistan since 1998.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
