GLASGOW: Several athletes who participated in the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, have reportedly failed to return to their home countries after the conclusion of the international sporting event, prompting investigations by Police Scotland.
The Games, which ran for 11 days and ended on Sunday, brought together about 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories. However, authorities have confirmed that a number of competitors remain unaccounted for after their national teams departed Glasgow.
Among those reported missing are four members of Uganda’s boxing team. According to Ugandan media reports, the athletes did not board their scheduled flight home and are believed to have remained in Scotland.
The boxers have been identified as Nuhu Batte, Angel Katushabe, Ibrahim Kemis, and Emily Nakalema.
Reports indicate that one of the athletes said the decision to remain in the United Kingdom was motivated by a desire to pursue a boxing career in an environment that offers better training facilities and professional opportunities. The athlete also reportedly appealed to people back home to understand the decision and avoid passing judgment.
As of the time of this report, Team Uganda has not issued an official statement regarding the whereabouts of the four boxers.
A member of Pakistan’s boxing team, Qudrat Ullah, has also reportedly failed to return with his country’s delegation.
Pakistani media reported that officials discovered the boxer was missing after he could not be located in his accommodation before the team’s departure from Glasgow.
His whereabouts remain unknown, while authorities continue efforts to determine what happened.
Confirming the development, Police Scotland said it had received reports concerning several athletes who remain unaccounted for following the Games.
A police spokesperson said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the disappearances, adding that early discussions are already taking place with the UK Home Office 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, the spokesperson said.
Organisers of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games said they are cooperating with law enforcement and immigration authorities as athletes and officials conclude their departures from the host city.
According to Glasgow 2026 spokesperson Sophie Ashcroft, approximately 3,000 athletes representing 74 Commonwealth nations and territories participated in the Games.
She said organisers have been working closely with Police Scotland, Border Force, and UK Visas and Immigration to ensure participants depart safely and in line with immigration regulations.
Under the Games’ accommodation policy, athletes were expected to vacate the Games Village within two nights after completing their respective competitions.
The latest reports have revived memories of similar incidents during previous editions of the Commonwealth Games.
During the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which were also hosted in Glasgow, two Ugandan rugby players disappeared after the competition and were later found playing for a local rugby club in Cardiff, Wales.
One of the players, Philip Pariyo, was later convicted and sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison for rape.
Another athlete, Cameroonian weightlifter Cyrille Tchatchet II, also chose not to return home after the 2014 Games. He later rebuilt his career in the United Kingdom and returned to compete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, where he won a silver medal.
The latest disappearances are expected to spark renewed discussions over athlete welfare, immigration policies, and the growing number of competitors seeking opportunities abroad after major international sporting event
