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Several athletes who participated in the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow have reportedly disappeared after the competition, failing to return home with their national teams as authorities launch investigations into their whereabouts.
Police Scotland confirmed it had received reports of a number of athletes who remain unaccounted for following the conclusion of the Games on Sunday and said inquiries were ongoing in collaboration with UK immigration authorities.
Among those reported missing are four members of Uganda's boxing team identified as Nuhu Batte, Angel Katushabe, Ibrahim Kemis and Emily Nakalema.
According to Ugandan sports outlet NBS Sport, the athletes failed to report for their return flight, with one of the missing boxers allegedly revealing that the group intended to seek asylum in Scotland and pursue their boxing careers in a country they believe offers better opportunities and training facilities.
The unnamed boxer reportedly appealed to fellow Ugandans for understanding, urging them not to condemn the decision.
A spokesperson for Team Uganda declined to comment on the development, while the remaining members of the country's contingent have since departed Glasgow for home.
Pakistan also recorded a similar incident after boxer Qudratullah reportedly failed to travel home with his teammates. Local media reported that officials discovered he was missing after searching his accommodation.
Police Scotland said investigations were continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the disappearances while working closely with the UK Home Office.
A police spokesperson said officers were engaging with relevant authorities as part of ongoing efforts to locate the athletes and determine the facts surrounding each case.
Games organisers noted that athletes were expected to vacate the official accommodation within two days of completing their respective events, in line with the Glasgow 2026 departure policy.
Glasgow 2026 spokesperson Sophie Ashcroft said organisers were working with Police Scotland, Border Force and UK Visas and Immigration to ensure a safe and orderly conclusion to the Games.
The latest incidents echo events after the 2014 Commonwealth Games, also hosted by Glasgow, when several athletes disappeared instead of returning to their home countries.
Among them were two Ugandan rugby players who were later found playing for a club in Cardiff, while Cameroonian weightlifter Cyrille Tchatchet II remained in the United Kingdom after fleeing his country and later returned to win a silver medal at the 2026 Games.
UK authorities said enhanced immigration screening is routinely carried out before major sporting events, while any asylum applications submitted by participants would be assessed individually based on the evidence and circumstances of each case.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games concluded on Sunday after 11 days of competition involving about 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories. Organisers described the streamlined event as a successful revival of the Games after the original host city, Victoria, withdrew from staging the competition.
