Several athletes who competed at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow have reportedly gone missing after the conclusion of the tournament, prompting investigations by Police Scotland and UK authorities.
The Games officially ended on Sunday, August 2, 2026, but reports indicate that a number of athletes failed to travel home with their respective national teams.
According to Police Scotland, authorities have received reports of several competitors who remain unaccounted for.
“Police Scotland has received reports of several athletes who are unaccounted for. Inquiries are ongoing to assess the circumstances, and early engagement is taking place with the Home Office,” a police spokesperson said.
Ugandan Boxers Among Those Missing
Ugandan sports outlet NBS Sport reported that four members of Uganda’s boxing team failed to board their return flight home. The missing athletes were identified as:
- Nuhu Batte
- Angel Katushabe
- Ibrahim Kemis
- Emily Nakalema
The publication reported that one of the missing athletes indicated they intended to seek asylum in Scotland and pursue their boxing careers abroad, citing better training facilities and greater professional opportunities.
The athlete reportedly appealed to fellow Ugandans not to judge their decision.
Officials from Team Uganda declined to comment on the reports, while the remainder of the Ugandan delegation has since returned home.
Pakistani Boxer Also Reportedly Missing
Separate reports from Pakistan Today stated that Pakistani boxer Qudrat Ullah also failed to return home with his teammates.
According to the report, officials were unable to locate him in his accommodation before the team’s departure, raising concerns over his whereabouts.
Organisers Working With Authorities
Glasgow 2026 organisers confirmed they are working closely with law enforcement and immigration agencies as athletes depart the Games.
Glasgow 2026 spokesperson Sophie Ashcroft said organisers welcomed approximately 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories during the competition.
She said officials continue to work alongside Police Scotland, Border Force, and UK Visas and Immigration to ensure the Games conclude safely and securely.
Athletes were expected to leave Scotland in accordance with the Games’ accommodation policy, which required competitors to vacate official housing within two days after their events concluded.
Similar Incidents Have Occurred Before
The disappearance of athletes following the Commonwealth Games is not unprecedented.
After the 2014 Commonwealth Games, also held in Glasgow, several competitors failed to return to their home countries. Some later applied for asylum, while others remained in the United Kingdom.
Among them were two Ugandan rugby players who were later found playing for a local club in Cardiff.
Another athlete, Cyrille Tchatchet II, fled Cameroon after the 2014 Games. He later rebuilt his career and returned to compete at Glasgow 2026, where he won a silver medal.
Home Office Monitoring Situation
The UK Home Office is understood to carry out enhanced background and immigration checks ahead of major international sporting events.
Officials say any asylum applications submitted by athletes would be considered individually based on the evidence and circumstances of each case.
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games concluded after 11 days of competition, featuring 10 sports across four venues in what organisers described as a streamlined edition designed to secure the long-term future of the Games.
