The Pakistan Boxing Federation (PBF) has once again found itself under scrutiny after boxer Qudratullah reportedly disappeared from the team hotel following the conclusion of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The incident has renewed concerns over the federation’s handling of its athletes, with similar cases having surfaced during previous international competitions.
According to a source close to the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA), Qudratullah went missing after completing his campaign in Glasgow. The development has baffled officials, particularly because his passport was reportedly in the possession of the team manager.
“The interesting thing is Qudratullah disappeared despite his passport being with the team manager,” the source said.
The latest episode is far from an isolated one. During the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Pakistani boxers Suleman Baloch and Nazeerullah Khan also disappeared despite reports that their passports were with the contingent management.
In another embarrassing incident at the 2024 World Olympic Boxing Qualifiers in Busto Arsizio, Italy, Asian gold medallist Zohaib Rasheed allegedly stole foreign currency and valuables from his roommate before disappearing.
FATIMA ZAHRA’S HISTORIC BRONZE OVERSHADOWED
The controversy has overshadowed what should have been a landmark moment for Pakistan boxing. Fatima Zahra secured the country’s only medal in Glasgow by winning bronze in the women’s 60kg category, becoming the first Pakistani female boxer to win a Commonwealth Games medal.
Under boxing rules, both losing semi-finalists receive bronze medals, with Zehra’s run ending against Canada’s Marie-Bathoul Al-Ahmadieh. She was also selected as Pakistan’s flag-bearer for the closing ceremony in recognition of her achievement.
Pakistan finished the Games with just one medal from its contingent, marking one of the country’s poorest Commonwealth Games campaigns in recent decades and triggering renewed criticism of the nation’s sporting administration.
With Qudratullah’s disappearance now under investigation, pressure is mounting on both the Pakistan Olympic Association and the Pakistan Boxing Federation to explain how another athlete managed to leave the team despite strict travel protocols.
The latest incident has once again diverted attention from Pakistan’s performances in Glasgow, particularly Fatima Zahra’s historic breakthrough, and placed the federation under an uncomfortable spotlight over athlete management and accountability.
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