Ten Sri Lankan athletes have gone 'missing' from the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, including volleyball players, boxers and wrestlers. The eight men and two women have not returned to their accommodation in the athletes village over the last few days.
A wrestler, judo star and judo coach originally disappeared last Monday, raising concerns. West Midlands Police were able to locate two out of the three, Birmingham Live reports.
However, Sri Lankan team spokesperson Gobinath Sivarajah said the two sportsmen then made the decision to leave the squad. He has now stated that a further seven athletes have gone missing and left their bags behind.
The Sri Lankan contingent consists of 161 athletes, including 51 officials, who were granted 180-day visas by the government. They surrendered their passports, so cannot leave the country.
The Birmingham Commonwealth Games draws to a close this evening with a spectacular show planned at Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr. But Mr Sivarajah said most of the Sri Lankan team have now returned home - not including those who have gone AWOL.
He said: "We are missing 10 people. It's a shame for Sri Lanka. We informed police. Two of them were located and the police said they came here legally and are staying legally.
"They left the athletes villages. Ten of them have left their baggage in the villages and taken their documents. The rest of the athletes have gone back to Sri Lanka, only 30 members of the team are left."
Five of the 10 missing athletes also serve in the Sri Lankan armed forces. Mr Sivarajah said they include a male judo manager, a female judo athlete, two male wrestlers, three boxers, two male beach volleyball players and a female wrestler.
West Midlands Police said: "We are aware of eight reports of missing people relating to Birmingham 2022 and our enquiries continue to ensure they are safe and well. We are unable to offer any further information other than the above."
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