Shahida Raza
Shahida Raza (died 26 February 2023) was a Pakistani former field hockey player known as Chintu by her teammates. Raza was considered the linchpin of the Pakistan women's national field hockey team during her time as a player. She died in a boat accident in Italy on 26 February 2023.
Early life and career
Raza, who is from the mountainous region of Quetta, Pakistan, represented her country in field hockey on the global stage. Her hockey career included participating in tournaments such as the Asian Hockey Federation Cup in 2012, and being selected for the 18-member junior girl's squad for the Asian Hockey Federation U-18 Girl's Cup in 2009. In addition to hockey, Raza was also involved in playing football at the national level.[1][2]
Personal life
Raza had a successful career in sports, but she encountered personal challenges. Following her divorce, she became a single mother. She decided to take the risk of migrating to Europe illegally in order to provide a brighter future for herself and her family. Raza's life was cut short in a devastating boat accident off the southern coast of Italy. This tragedy claimed the lives of at least 59 migrants, including several Pakistanis.[1][3]
Death
The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) expressed their condolences to Raza's family after her death was confirmed. Balochistan Chief Minister also paid tribute to her. Following the tragic boat accident, two Pakistanis and a Turkish man were arrested on suspicion of trafficking up to 200 migrants. Survivors identified them as "the main culprits of the tragedy" and allegedly asked the migrants for about 8,000 euros each for the journey. The authorities were also looking for a fourth suspect, who is Turkish.[1][4]
References
- ^ a b c APP, Imran Siddique | (March 1, 2023). "Former hockey player Shahida Raza among dead in Italian shipwreck tragedy". DAWN.COM.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Pakistan female hockey player among victims of Italy boat accident". www.geo.tv.
- ^ "Pakistan hockey player Shahida Raza drowns in Italy boat accident". www.thenews.com.pk.
- ^ "Hockey player Shahida among victims of migrant boat tragedy". The Express Tribune. February 28, 2023.