Commonwealth Sport CEO Donald Rukare has dismissed Ugandan boxer Aziz Abdul’s racism claims after he was disqualified from the 2026 Commonwealth Games
📽️ Amin’s grandson, Aziz disqualified for headbutt in the Commonwealth Games
#NewsInBytes #SportSavvy pic.twitter.com/dG76Jq8khA— The New Vision (@newvisionwire) July 30, 2026
He said the decision was based on rules and not racial prejudice.
Abdul, grandson of former Ugandan leader Idi Amin, was disqualified in his super-heavyweight quarter-final against England’s Damar Thomas in Glasgow.
The Ugandan was punished for a standing count and for repeatedly hitting on the break before being pulled from the bout for an illegal headbutt.
Thomas claimed victory and moved into the semi-finals, ruining Abdul’s hopes of a medal.
After the match, Abdul confronted the officials and alleged that he had been discriminated against because of his race.
But Rukare denied the claim, saying the judgment was a legal officiating call.
According to BBC, he said Commonwealth Sport was still committed to justice, inclusivity and equal treatment of athletes, and that there were established mechanisms in place for competitors who felt they had been wronged.
The issue has provided another talking point for the Glasgow Games, but there has been no indication that Abdul or the Ugandan delegation have launched any formal complaint over the decision.
Thomas is now focused on the semi-finals as he continues his quest for Commonwealth Games glory.
