Athletes from Pakistan and Uganda Reported Missing After Commonwealth Games

Five athletes from the Pakistani and Ugandan delegations have been reported missing after the conclusion of the 2026 Commonwealth GamesCompetition·Commonwealth Games in GlasgowVenue·Glasgow, ScotlandVenue·Scotland, which officially ended on Sunday, August 2nd. Police ScotlandTeam·Police Scotland has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding their disappearances, working in conjunction with the UK Home OfficeTeam·UK Home Office.

Among the missing are four members of UgandaTeam·Uganda's six-member boxing team: Nuhu BattePlayer·Nuhu Batte, Angel KatushabePlayer·Angel Katushabe, Ibrahim KemisPlayer·Ibrahim Kemis, and Emily NakalemaPlayer·Emily Nakalema. According to Ugandan sports website NBS Sport, these athletes did not board their scheduled flight for their return journey home. One of the missing Ugandan boxers reportedly informed NBS Sport of the group's intention to seek asylum in ScotlandVenue·Scotland, citing a desire for improved training facilities and greater opportunities. The athlete appealed for understanding from Ugandans, requesting that their decision not be judged.

From the Pakistani contingent, boxer QudratullahPlayer·Qudratullah is also unaccounted for. PakistanTeam·Pakistan Today reported that QudratullahPlayer·Qudratullah failed to return with his teammates, and his room was found empty by officials during a search prior to the team's departure. His passport was reportedly held by the team manager at the time of his disappearance.

The remainder of the Ugandan delegation has already departed for their home country. A spokesperson for Team UgandaTeam·Uganda declined to offer comment on the unfolding situation. The disappearances occurred after the Games had concluded, meaning there are no direct implications for the athletic performance or standings within the 2026 Commonwealth GamesCompetition·Commonwealth Games.

This incident is not without precedent in the history of the Commonwealth GamesCompetition·Commonwealth Games. Similar cases of athletes seeking asylum or vanishing without explanation have been recorded after previous editions of the event, including the 2014 GlasgowVenue·Glasgow Games and the 2018 Gold Coast Games, highlighting a recurring challenge for major international sporting events.