Several athletes reportedly missing after Glasgow Commonwealth Games
Several athletes have reportedly gone missing following the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with some failing to return home alongside their respective teams.
Police Scotland confirmed that it had received reports concerning a number of athletes who were unaccounted for after the Games ended on Sunday. Authorities said investigations were underway to establish the circumstances surrounding their disappearance, with early discussions also taking place with the UK Home Office.
Ugandan media outlet NBS Sport reported that four members of Uganda’s boxing team did not board their scheduled flight home. The four were identified as Nuhu Batte, Angel Katushabe, Ibrahim Kemis and Emily Nakalema.
According to NBS Sport, one of the missing boxers said the group planned to seek asylum in Scotland in the hope of continuing their careers in a country with better training facilities and opportunities. The boxer reportedly appealed to Ugandans to understand their decision.
Team Uganda declined to comment on the reports, while the remaining members of the delegation have since returned home.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Today reported that boxer Qudratullah was also absent when the Pakistani team departed for home. Officials reportedly searched his room but could not locate him.
The latest reports echo incidents from previous Commonwealth Games. Following the 2014 Glasgow Games, two Ugandan rugby players disappeared before later turning up playing for a club in Cardiff.
Police Scotland said officers were working to determine the circumstances surrounding the latest cases.
A spokesperson said: “Police Scotland has received reports of several athletes who are unaccounted for,” adding that inquiries were continuing and that authorities had begun engaging with the Home Office.
Organisers of Glasgow 2026 said about 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories had participated in the Games. Athletes and support staff were expected to leave Glasgow in accordance with the official length-of-stay arrangements, under which accommodation ended two nights after an athlete’s event concluded.
Glasgow 2026 spokesperson Sophie Ashcroft said organisers were working with Police Scotland, Border Force and UK Visas and Immigration to ensure the Games ended safely and securely.
The Home Office is also understood to conduct enhanced checks around major international sporting events and works with event organisers to strengthen immigration controls.
Any asylum applications arising from the latest cases would be assessed individually based on the circumstances and available evidence.
The Glasgow Commonwealth Games concluded on Sunday after 11 days of competition. The streamlined event featured 10 sports across four venues and was described by organisers as a revamped format that helped secure the competition after the original host city, Victoria, withdrew.
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