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Pakistan and Uganda athletes ‘missing’ after Commonwealth Games

Al Jazeera · 2026-08-05

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Scottish police are investigating the disappearance of athletes from Uganda and Pakistan who failed to return home after the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Reports indicate that several members of Uganda's boxing team and at least one Pakistani boxer did not board their scheduled flights. • Why it matters: The situation raises concerns about athlete safety and the phenomenon of athletes seeking asylum in host countries after international competitions, which has occurred in previous Commonwealth Games. • What to watch next: Authorities are expected to provide updates on the investigation, and further details may emerge regarding the intentions of the missing athletes and the implications for future sporting events.

**Title: Investigation Underway as Athletes from Pakistan and Uganda Go Missing After Commonwealth Games**

**Published: August 5, 2026**

Scottish police have launched an investigation following reports that several athletes from Uganda and Pakistan have not returned home after competing in the Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow. The Games concluded last Sunday, and concerns were raised when these athletes failed to board their scheduled flights.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland confirmed that they have received reports regarding the unaccounted athletes and are currently assessing the circumstances surrounding their disappearance. The police have also begun initial discussions with the Home Office as part of their investigation.

According to Ugandan media outlet NBS Sport, four members of Uganda's six-person boxing team went missing just before their planned departure on Tuesday. One of the athletes reportedly expressed intentions to seek asylum in the UK, although specific details about the other missing athletes have not been disclosed.

Similarly, reports from Pakistan Today indicate that at least one boxer from Pakistan did not appear for his flight home on the same day, raising further concerns about the situation.

The phenomenon of athletes going missing after the Commonwealth Games is not unprecedented. Past events, particularly those held in Australia or the UK, have seen similar occurrences. For instance, following the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, authorities were still searching for approximately 50 athletes and officials a month after the event concluded. Additionally, around 190 athletes had sought asylum during that time.

This year, the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow saw participation from about 3,000 athletes representing 74 nations over the course of 11 days. The event showcased a variety of sports and fostered international camaraderie, but it has also been marred by instances where athletes have chosen to remain in host countries, often in search of better opportunities or safety.

As the investigation continues, the fate of the missing athletes remains uncertain, and further updates from the authorities are anticipated in the coming days.

Source: Al Jazeera
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