Gnoc Speaks on Reported Absconding of Athletes in Glasgow

Following reports that two Gambian athletes to the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow have absconded, the Gambia National Olympic Committee GNOC was contacted for explanations.

According to reports, the two athletes, a male and female, did not travel with the delegation to Banjul, raising suspicion that they may have absconded.

In a written explanation to our request for answers, the GNOC secretary general Yorro Niie said:
“Two members of The Gambian delegation, who were scheduled to return to The Gambia with the team following the conclusion of the Games, did not return with the delegation as planned.

The two athletes who were based in Dubai training with various clubs are: Lamin Camara and Nyimansata Jawneh.

Although all necessary travel arrangements had been made for them to return to The Gambia with the rest of the delegation on 3rd August 2026, they did not board the scheduled flight and have remained in the host country (Scotland) without the knowledge or authorisation of the Gambia Commonwealth Sports Association/GNOC.

However, I wish to emphasise that we cannot conclude or speculate on their intentions. In particular, we cannot determine whether they intend to remain in the United Kingdom beyond the duration of their visa or whether they will return to The Gambia on or before the expiration of their visa on 16 August 2026.

All other local athletes and coaches with no travel history, who were part of the delegation, have returned to The Gambia as planned.”

Again, to reiterate, the CGA/GNOC is not in a position to determine or comment on the intentions of the two individuals regarding their stay, and we therefore cannot conclude that they intend to overstay their visas.”