Glasgow: Ugandan and Pakistani athletes reported missing after Commonwealth Games
Scottish police are investigating reports concerning several athletes from Pakistan and Uganda who did not return home following the conclusion of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The Games concluded last Sunday, and inquiries are currently underway to determine the circumstances surrounding their disappearance.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland confirmed on Tuesday that reports had been received regarding several athletes who are unaccounted for. The police are engaging with the Home Office as part of their ongoing assessment of the situation.
Ugandan Boxers Unaccounted For
Uganda’s NBS Sport reported that four of its six boxers were missing before their team was scheduled to depart for home on Tuesday. One of these athletes reportedly informed the broadcaster of intentions to seek asylum. The missing Ugandan boxers include Ibrahim Kemis, Nuhu Batte, Emily Nakalema, and Angel Katushabe. These athletes were expected to fly back to Uganda on Tuesday.
Godwin Kayangwe, Uganda’s chef de mission, stated he had no knowledge of why the boxers had disappeared. He speculated that they might still be in Glasgow or elsewhere in Europe. Kayangwe mentioned that the athletes had communicated with their team manager, indicating they would return, but their phones subsequently became inactive. He noted that this action constituted a breach of camp rules, as athletes are not permitted to leave without permission.
The visas for these athletes remain valid until October. Kayangwe expressed hope that the boxers would return to their home country before their visas expire. He also conveyed a message to the missing athletes, urging them to adhere to the law and ensure their visas do not expire while they are in the country. He encouraged them to return to Uganda, suggesting they could potentially return to Europe at a later time. The matter has now been referred to the Ugandan high commission, which will collaborate with authorities in Scotland.
When questioned about potential reasons for seeking asylum, Kayangwe stated he had no idea, emphasizing that he did not believe it was related to political or gender issues. One of the missing boxers reportedly told NBS Sports that the athletes intended to seek asylum to pursue their boxing careers in a country that offered improved training facilities and opportunities compared to their homeland. This boxer also reportedly appealed to Ugandans for understanding regarding their decision.
Pakistani Boxer Also Missing
In addition to the Ugandan athletes, a Pakistani boxer, Qudratullah, was also reported missing in Glasgow. This occurred just hours before the Pakistan team was scheduled to leave for home. According to Geo News, sources from the Pakistan Boxing Federation indicated that Qudratullah was last observed in his hotel room around 2 am. Officials later checked his room but were unable to locate him.
The Pakistani team was expected to assemble in the hotel lobby at 9 am before proceeding to the airport. Reports indicate that Qudratullah’s passport and return ticket are still in the possession of the team manager. Pakistan Today also reported that Qudratullah did not join his teammates for the return flight to Pakistan.
This incident follows previous instances of athletes going missing after the Commonwealth Games. For example, after the 2018 Gold Coast Games, authorities were still searching for 50 athletes and officials a month later, with another 190 having sought asylum. The 21-member Pakistani contingent concluded the 2026 Commonwealth Games with a single medal. Fatima Zahra secured a bronze medal in the women’s 60kg category, marking her as the first Pakistani female boxer to achieve a Commonwealth Games medal. This medal tally represented Pakistan’s lowest since 1998.
Despite being considered one of the country’s main hopes, Olympic javelin champion Arshad Nadeem did not secure a medal. The police investigation into the missing athletes is ongoing.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
