Several athletes from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Uganda have gone missing after competing at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, prompting a police investigation into their whereabouts.
Police Scotland confirmed it had received reports of multiple athletes being “unaccounted for” following the conclusion of the Games on Sunday.
Islamic Republic of Pakistan has reported that boxer Qudratullah failed to return home with the national team. Officials reportedly discovered that he had left his room during checks after his absence was noticed.
Ugandan sports outlet NBS Sport also reported that four members of Uganda’s boxing team did not board their scheduled flight home. The missing athletes were identified as Nuhu Batte, Angel Katushabe, Ibrahim Kemis and Emily Nakalema.
A team member reportedly told NBS Sport that the athletes had remained in Scotland and intended to seek asylum.
Police Scotland said inquiries were underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the missing athletes.
“Police Scotland has received reports of several athletes who are unaccounted for,” the force said in a statement.
“Inquiries are ongoing to assess the circumstances, and early engagement is taking place with the Home Office.”
The disappearances have raised comparisons with previous Commonwealth Games, particularly the 2014 Glasgow Games, where several athletes went missing after the event. Some later sought asylum, while others were not located.
In 2014, two Ugandan rugby players disappeared after the Games and were later found playing for a regional team in Scotland. Cameroon weightlifter Cyrille Tchatchet II also disappeared during the same Games and was later granted refugee status. He went on to represent England and won a silver medal at the Glasgow event this year.
Glasgow 2026 organisers said they were working with Police Scotland, Border Force and UK Visas and Immigration to ensure athletes and officials departed safely after the Games.
“Over the last two weeks, we have welcomed 3000 athletes from 74 nations and territories of the Commonwealth to Glasgow,” Games spokesperson Sophie Ashcroft said.
“As athletes and support staff leave the city, we continue to work closely with wider partners — including Police Scotland, Border Force and UK Visas and Immigration — to ensure a safe and secure conclusion to the Games.”
The athletes’ current whereabouts remain unknown as investigations continue.
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