Several athletes fail to return home after Commonwealth games in Glasgow

Authorities in Scotland are investigating the whereabouts of several athletes who reportedly did not return home with their national delegations following the conclusion of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Police Scotland confirmed receiving reports concerning athletes who remained "unaccounted for" after the 11-day event ended Sunday.

Among those unaccounted for are four members of Uganda's boxing team: Nuhu Batte, Angel Katushabe, Ibrahim Kemis, and Emily Nakalema. According to NBS Sport, these boxers did not board their flight home, with one reportedly expressing a desire to seek asylum in Scotland to pursue better career opportunities. A Pakistani boxer, Qudrat Ullah, is also reported missing.

Police Scotland stated that inquiries are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the athletes' disappearances, with initial engagement with the Home Office underway. Glasgow 2026 organizers confirmed they are collaborating with Police Scotland, Border Force, and UK Visas & Immigration to ensure a secure conclusion to the event, which hosted approximately 3,000 athletes from 74 nations.

This situation echoes past incidents at the Commonwealth Games. At the 2014 Glasgow Games, two Ugandan rugby players disappeared and were later found playing for a local club. Cameroonian weightlifter Cyrille Tchatchet II also remained in the UK after the 2014 Games, eventually returning to compete in 2026.

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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.