Five Commonwealth Games Boxers Reported Missing in Glasgow
Police Scotland and the U.K. Home Office have launched investigations following the disappearance of five boxers—four from Uganda and one from Pakistan—shortly after the conclusion of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The sporting event, which ran from July 23 to August 2, ended on a tense note as officials confirmed several athletes failed to report for their scheduled departures home on August 4.
Missing Athletes
- Ugandan Contingent: Nuhu Batte, Angel Katushabe, Ibrahim Kemis, and Emily Nakalema failed to gather for their team flight. Reports from Ugandan outlet NBS Sport indicate at least one boxer intended to seek asylum in Scotland to pursue better athletic facilities and career opportunities.
- Pakistani Contingent: 20-year-old boxer Qudratullah, who competed in the men’s 60kg event, vanished from the team hotel prior to their departure for Islamabad. His passport and return flight ticket remain with team management.
Pattern of Disappearances
Overstaying or seeking asylum after major international athletic events—often referred to as defecting—has a well-documented history:
| Event | Location | Incident Details |
| 2012 Olympics | London, UK | 7 Cameroonian athletes (5 boxers, 1 swimmer, 1 footballer) vanished to seek asylum. |
| 2014 Commonwealth Games | Glasgow, UK | Multiple athletes disappeared, including two Ugandan rugby players who later joined a Cardiff club. |
| 2022 Commonwealth Games | Birmingham, UK | Pakistani boxers Suleman Baloch and Nazeerullah Khan went missing after competition. |
| 2024 Olympic Qualifiers | Italy | Pakistani boxer Zohaib Rasheed disappeared during the tournament. |
Current Investigation Status
Under Glasgow 2026’s length-of-stay policy, athlete accommodations ended two nights after their respective events concluded. While local law enforcement and immigration authorities are actively tracking down the missing individuals, authorities emphasize there is currently no evidence of foul play or criminality. Neither government has issued an official confirmation regarding the asylum status of the athletes.
