“I had always had a burning desire to excel in what ever I did. My father did his best to encourage me,” said the modest Project Officer of SportsAuthority of Goa.
Monica was the first Goan women to captain the State cricket team in 1990. “We struggled to lay down the foundation for the Goan cricket. We played in Mumbai and worked hard to get recognition,” said the soft spoken Monica.
“Today women athletes should be sincere in whatever they do. I was able to achieve glory for Goa only through sheer hard work and determination,” informed Monica.
Monica was conferred two State top honours, the Bakshi Bahaddar Jivabadada Kerkar Award and Yashodamini Puraskar Award.
She represented India at the 5th Asian women’s Softball Championship held at Jakarta Indonesia in 1991. Monica captained India at the 6th Asian Women’s Softball Championship held at Manila, Philippines in 1995.She was then selected to represent the country at the 8th World Cup and pre Olympic qualifying softball championship held at Canada in 1994.
She represented India as umpire and officiated in the 1st Asian Softball championship held in Chennai in 1997. She was the first lady umpire from India and the first Goan to achieve this feat. She was selected to umpire and officiate in the 8th Asian Softball Championship, at Manila Philippines in 2004.
