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The New York Times — World — Migration — Pakistan — Italy — Central Asia

Migrants’ Shipwreck Near Italy Claimed a Pro Athlete From Pakistan

Shahida Raza, a Pakistani pro athlete and mother of one, was one of at least 63 people who died when a boat with economic migrants crashed off Italy's Calabrian coast. She had left her son with her ex-husband in Pakistan and was hoping to find better care and economic opportunities in Italy.

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  • Shahida Raza, 29, was one of at least 63 people who died when a boat with economic migrants from Central Asia crashed off Italy's Calabrian coast.
  • Raza had left her 3-year-old son, partly paralyzed, with her ex-husband in Pakistan before starting the dangerous journey.
  • Most of the migrants were from Afghanistan, but also from Iran and Pakistan.
  • Raza had played on field hockey teams representing Quetta and the Pakistani military.
  • Raza had left Pakistan to find better care for her son and economic opportunities for herself.
Migrants’ Shipwreck Near Italy Claimed a Pro Athlete From Pakistan
Shahida Raza, a national soccer and field hockey player, wanted her disabled son to have a better life. The boat carrying her to Italy crashed just off the coast.
The New York TimesBy Salman Masood and

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