On the first death anniversary of former Sports Minister Francisco Monte Cruz, the Government of Goa has decided to pay tribute to his pioneering role in shaping the State’s sporting landscape by naming a stand at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, in his memory.
Monte Cruz is widely credited with envisioning and building Goa’s only international stadium, which went on to host multiple national and international tournaments, including the FIFA U-17 World Cups for both boys and girls. The stadium, completed in just nine months, was inaugurated on January 19, 1989, in time for the prestigious Nehru Cup football tournament.
PWD Minister Digambar Kamat, who had earlier moved the resolution in the Assembly to recognise Monte Cruz’s contribution, visited the late minister’s residence on Wednesday.
He met Vijay Monte Cruz and Hema Fernandes, son and daughter of the former minister, and discussed the plan.
The meeting was attended by GFA President Dr Caitano Fernandes, former Minister Avertano Furtado, Padma Shri Brahmanand Shankwalkar, GFA Executive Committee members, as well as former players and football promoters — many of whom acknowledged Monte Cruz’s efforts in giving Goa a world-class venue.
“I have spoken with the Honourable Chief Minister of Goa and within the next two months, we will duly recognise the outstanding contribution of late Monte Cruz in building the Fatorda Stadium. We will announce the plan within the next two weeks,” said newly appointed Minister and Margao MLA Digambar Kamat.
For Goa’s football fraternity, the announcement marks not just an overdue recognition, but also a symbolic reminder of the legacy of a minister who transformed a vision into a landmark that continues to define the state’s sporting pride.