Authorities in Pakistan have initiated a significant effort to locate boxer Qudratullah, who has not returned to the country following the Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow. Sources indicate that the 20-year-old athlete, who competed in the men’s 60kg category, is considered a high-profile case due to the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
According to a member of the Pakistan contingent, all athletes were accounted for until approximately 2:00 AM in Glasgow, just hours before the team was scheduled to depart for Pakistan. After the Games concluded, the athletes returned to their designated accommodations, and Qudratullah was last seen in his room. Despite the management's precautions, including holding onto the passports and air tickets of all team members, Qudratullah managed to go missing.
An official from the contingent expressed concern over the incident, stating that it has negatively impacted the reputation of the country. The authorities are currently investigating the situation to determine Qudratullah’s whereabouts. There are concerns that if he intends to seek asylum, the process may complicate his situation further.
Sources have indicated that the British authorities had issued six-month visas to all members of the Pakistani team, which may affect the urgency of the case. The situation may not be prioritized until the visa expiration date approaches, potentially delaying any immediate action.
In the Commonwealth Games, Qudratullah faced Northern Ireland’s Jude Gallagher in his match but did not secure a victory. The Pakistani team returned from Glasgow with only one medal, a bronze won by boxer Fatima Zahra in the women’s 60kg category.
This incident is not isolated; there have been previous cases involving Pakistani athletes failing to return home. During the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, two boxers also did not return with the national contingent. Additionally, in 2024, boxer Zohaib Rasheed went missing in Italy while competing in an Olympic qualifying event.
Efforts to reach officials from the Pakistan Boxing Federation for comments on this situation have been unsuccessful. The ongoing search for Qudratullah highlights ongoing concerns regarding the safety and well-being of athletes during international competitions.
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