Commonwealth Games, athletes go missing in Glasgow, Uganda and Pakistan boxers

Scotland police are investigating the disappearance of several athletes unaccounted for following the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

A number of athletes who competed at the Games have disappeared, failing to return home to their respective countries.

NBS Sport reports four members of Uganda’s boxing team have gone missing, and Pakistan Today reports one boxer from its country has also disappeared.

“Police Scotland has received reports of several athletes who are unaccounted for,” a police statement said.

“Inquiries are ongoing to assess the circumstances, and early engagement is taking place with the Home Office.”

The four Ugandan boxers unaccounted for are reportedly Nuhu Batte, Angel Katushabe, Ibrahim Kemis and Emily Nakalema. Pakistani boxer Qudratullah is also reportedly missing.

NBS Sport says it spoke to one of the fighters who claimed the athletes had stayed in Scotland and were trying to seek asylum.

After the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which were also held in Glasgow, several athletes disappeared and sought asylum or were never able to be found again.

The Glasgow 2026 length of stay policy states visiting athletes must leave the country two days after their competition finishes, or earlier.

“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.”

In 2014, two Ugandan rugby players disappeared after the Games and were later found to be playing for a regional team in Scotland. Philip Pariyo, who was one of the two players, was jailed last year for raping a woman in Cardiff.

Cameroon weightlifter Cyrille Tchatchet II also disappeaed after the 2014 Games and was later granted refugee status and was allowed to compete for England at this year’s event in Glasgow, where he won a silver medal.