- Reuters
- 9 Hours ago
Two Pakistani athletes ‘disappear at World University Games in Germany
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- Web Desk
- 9 Hours ago
ISLAMABAD: Two members of Pakistan’s contingent participating in the FISU World University Games 2025 in Germany have absconded, sources claimed on Saturday.
Pakistani contingent comprised of 27 athletes from various higher education institutions to compete across six disciplines: athletics, swimming, judo, taekwondo, table tennis, and archery.
Sources claimed that from the group of 27, two athletes named Shazil Ahmed and Nadeem Ali disappeared after taking part in their respective competitions.
The duo was last seen on July 24 after attending a team dinner. Their absence was first noticed the next morning during breakfast.
Pakistani contingent to return tomorrow
Sources said both athletes had informed fellow players before leaving for an unknown location, fuelling speculation that they may not have intended to disappear permanently. However, no contact has been made with them since.
Their passports are reportedly with the team manager, as per standard travel protocol.
The head of the Pakistani delegation, Javed Memon, said a full statement will be issued once the facts are verified. “We are investigating the matter and will provide clarity soon,” he added.
The Pakistani contingent is scheduled to return home on July 27. Officials expressed hope that both athletes will rejoin the group before departure.
Organised by the International University Sports Federation (FISU), the event includes 234 medal events across 18 sports.
Organised by the International University Sports Federation (FISU), the World University Games 2025 are taking place in Germany from 16 to 27 July across five cities in the Rhine-Ruhr region – Bochum, Duisburg, Essen, Hagen, and Mülheim an der Ruhr – as well as the capital, Berlin.
The event includes 234 medal events across 18 sports.
Absconding not a new phenomenon
The disappearance of Pakistani nationals, including athletes and officials, during foreign tours is neither new nor surprising, with several such incidents surfacing over the years.
In December 2024, a report submitted to the Senate revealed that in August, three players from the national hockey team, along with a physiotherapist, sought political asylum in Poland instead of returning home. As a result, the Pakistan Hockey Federation imposed lifetime bans on the athletes involved.
The federation’s secretary, Olympian Mujahid Ali, confirmed that the players, Murtaza Yaqoob, Ehtesham Aslam, and Abdul Rehman, had defected after the team’s official visit.
Asia Cup 2025 schedule announced
Similarly, in 2022, Pakistani swimmer Faizan Akbar went missing during the World Championship in Hungary. That same year, two Pakistani boxers failed to return from the Commonwealth Games held in the United Kingdom.
More recently, in March 2024, Pakistani boxer Zohaib disappeared in Italy during an Olympic qualifying tournament.
