Several Athletes From Pakistan and Uganda Reported Missing After Failing to Return Home Following Glasgow Commonwealth Games

Police in Scotland have launched an investigation after several athletes from Pakistan and Uganda were reported missing shortly after the conclusion of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, raising fresh concerns over a recurring issue that has surfaced at major international sporting events.

According to Police Scotland, the athletes failed to return with their national delegations after the Games ended, prompting officials to begin inquiries into their whereabouts. Reports indicate that those unaccounted for include members of the boxing teams from both Uganda and Pakistan. Authorities have not suggested any criminal activity but confirmed they are working with the relevant sporting bodies and immigration officials to locate the missing competitors.

The incident comes just days after Glasgow hosted athletes from across the Commonwealth in a successful edition of the Games. While most delegations have returned home, the disappearance of several competitors has overshadowed the closing stages of the event and sparked renewed debate over athlete welfare, migration, and asylum claims linked to international sporting competitions.

Although no official explanation has been provided for the disappearances, similar cases in previous international competitions have often involved athletes seeking asylum or attempting to remain in host countries in search of better economic opportunities or improved sporting careers. Authorities have stressed that it would be inappropriate to speculate until investigations are completed.

This is not the first time athletes have gone missing after a major multi-sport event. During the 2014 Commonwealth Games, also held in Glasgow, dozens of athletes reportedly disappeared before returning home. Similar incidents occurred at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on Australia’s Gold Coast, where athletes from several countries failed to leave with their teams, with some later applying for asylum. Comparable cases have also been recorded at Olympic Games and other international tournaments over the past two decades.

Officials in both Uganda and Pakistan are expected to work closely with UK authorities as efforts continue to determine the whereabouts of the missing athletes. Meanwhile, organisers of the Commonwealth Games have yet to issue a detailed statement beyond confirming they are cooperating with the ongoing investigation.