MARGAO
The man credited with building Goa’s iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in record time has finally received official recognition, as the West Stand of the Fatorda Stadium was on Tuesday named after late Francisco Monte Cruz, former Sports Minister of Goa.
Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant unveiled the renamed Francisco Monte Cruz Stand in the presence of Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar, PWD Minister Digambar Kamat, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai, Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar, GFA President Caitano Fernandes, and Director of Sports Dr Ajay Gaude.
As Sports Minister in the 1980s, Monte Cruz played a pivotal role in bringing the Nehru Cup to Goa. He convinced the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to host the prestigious tournament in the state, promising to construct a new stadium in time. Impressed by his commitment, the AIFF agreed ” with progress closely monitored.
Remarkably, just eight months after the foundation stone was laid, the stadium was completed and inaugurated on January 19, 1989 ” a feat that has since become part of Goa’s sporting history.
The government’s decision to honour Cruz comes after a long-pending resolution moved in the Goa Legislative Assembly by Margao MLA Digambar Kamat, who praised the late minister’s determination and leadership.
“I had spoken with the Chief Minister, and he assured me the government would duly recognise Monte Cruz’s outstanding contribution,” Kamat recalled during the ceremony.
On the late minister’s first death anniversary, Kamat met Cruz’s children, Vijay Monte Cruz and Hema Fernandes, to discuss the plan to name a stand in his memory.
Since its inauguration, Fatorda Stadium has hosted major national and international events ” including the FIFA U-17 World Cups ” standing as a lasting tribute to Monte Cruz’s vision, commitment, and legacy in Goan sports.
