Glasgow: Police investigate missing athletes after Commonwealth Games conclude

By Arjun Nair / 05.08.2026

By Arjun Nair — 5 August 2026 — 3 min read

Investigation into missing athletes

Police Scotland has initiated an investigation following reports that several athletes from Pakistan and Uganda did not return home after the conclusion of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The Games concluded on Sunday, and authorities confirmed on Tuesday that multiple athletes were unaccounted for. Enquiries are currently underway to determine the circumstances surrounding these disappearances, with early engagement taking place with the Home Office.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland stated that reports of several athletes being “unaccounted for” have been received. The police are working to assess the situation and are collaborating with the Home Office as part of their investigation. This development follows the conclusion of the Games, which saw over 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories compete in Glasgow.

Ugandan and Pakistani athletes reported missing

Among those reported missing are athletes from Uganda and Pakistan. Uganda’s NBS Sport reported that four out of its six boxers did not board their scheduled flight home on Tuesday. The missing Ugandan athletes were identified by local media as Nuhu Batte, Angel Katushabe, Ibrahim Kemis, and Emily Nakalema. One of these athletes reportedly informed the broadcaster of their intention to seek asylum in Scotland, citing aspirations to further their boxing careers and access better training facilities and opportunities. The athlete also requested understanding for their decision.

A spokesperson for Team Uganda declined to comment on these reports, while the remaining members of the Ugandan contingent have already returned home. In a separate incident, Pakistani boxer Qudratullah was reported missing. According to Pakistan Today, Qudratullah did not join the rest of Pakistan’s contingent for their return flight. Sources from the Pakistan Boxing Federation, as reported by Geo News, indicated that Qudratullah was last seen in his hotel room around 2am before the team was scheduled to depart at 9am. Team officials later checked his room but were unable to locate him.

A notable detail in Qudratullah’s disappearance is that his passport and return ticket were reportedly still in the possession of the team manager. This fact has reportedly puzzled officials, according to a source close to the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA). The Pakistani team, a 21-member contingent, concluded the 2026 Commonwealth Games with one medal. Boxer Fatima Zahra secured a bronze medal in the women’s 60kg category, marking a historic achievement as the first Pakistani female boxer to win a Commonwealth Games medal. Despite this, the country’s medal tally was its lowest since 1998, with Olympic javelin champion Arshad Nadeem also missing out on a medal.

Previous incidents at Commonwealth Games

The disappearance of athletes after the Commonwealth Games is not an isolated occurrence. Similar incidents have been reported in previous editions of the Games, particularly those hosted in the United Kingdom and Australia. 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 sought asylum after those Games.

During the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Pakistani boxers Suleman Baloch and Nazeerullah Khan also went missing, despite reports that their passports were held by the contingent management. Organisers of the Glasgow 2026 Games stated they are collaborating with relevant authorities as athletes and officials depart the city. Glasgow 2026 spokesperson Sophie Ashcroft noted that over the past two weeks, the city welcomed 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories. She added that as athletes and support staff leave, they continue to work closely with partners, including Police Scotland, Border Force, and UK Visas & Immigration, to ensure a secure conclusion to the Games.

The Glasgow Games, which spanned 11 days of competition, concluded on Sunday.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com