Tag: Fatorda Sports

Sports

AGDBYA Announces 8th Daivadnya Cricket Cup 2026; Jersey Launched in Margao

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Akhil Gomantakiya Daivadnya Brahmin Youth Association (AGDBYA) announced the 8th edition of the Daivadnya Cricket Cup 2026, which will be held on 17th and 18th January 2026 at the S.A.G Ground, Fatorda. The tournament continues to be a major sporting initiative aimed at fostering unity, sportsmanship and youth engagement within the community.

This year’s edition will witness the participation of 17 teams from across Goa, including two women’s teams and two kids’ teams, highlighting AGDBYA’s inclusive approach towards encouraging sports across all age groups and genders.

The official jersey launch ceremony was held on Sunday, 11th January 2026 at Hotel Cosmique, Margao. The event was attended by the tournament’s main sponsors, including Swaroop V. S. Raikar Jewellers, Lotlikars Jewellers, Anta Jewellers, Ramakant Jewellers (Margao), Damodar Gajanan Raikar & Sons, Adarsh Caterers and Hotel Cosmique. Representatives from all 17 participating teams, members of the AGDBYA managing committee and media personnel were also present.

Mrs. Seema Vernekar, President of AGDBYA, welcomed the gathering and briefed attendees on the association’s various activities and social service initiatives carried out throughout the year. The trophies for the tournament were unveiled by Mrs. Sampada Nagvenkar, Secretary of AGDBYA, and Mr. Rahul Lotlikar, Treasurer of AGDBYA.

The programme was compered by Mrs. Sampada Shirodkar, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Mrs. Sampada Nagvenkar. The ceremony marked an enthusiastic start to the upcoming tournament, setting the tone for two days of competitive cricket and community celebration.

Sports

Goa Government to Honour ‘The Monte Cruz Stand’ in PJN Stadium, Fatorda

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

The Government of Goa has officially announced a fitting tribute to late former Sports Minister Francisco Monte Cruz, by naming a stand at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa, after him. This recognition comes on the occasion of his first death anniversary, honouring the man who was responsible for the construction of the iconic stadium in a record 180 days between 1988 and 1989.

The PJN Stadium, inaugurated on January 19, 1989, continues to be a vibrant hub for major football matches and sports events in the state. Its existence owes much to Monte Cruz’s foresight, dedication, and leadership, which made it one of Goa’s proudest sports infrastructure projects.

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and the Government of Goa have initiated the implementation of a long-standing resolution moved by Minister Digambar Kamat in the State Assembly, which called for the naming of a stand in the stadium after Monte Cruz. The resolution has finally come to life this year, ensuring that Monte Cruz’s contributions will be forever remembered by generations to come.

The announcement ceremony saw the presence of Monte Cruz’s family members, including his son Vijay Monte Cruz and daughter Hema Monte Cruz, who were present to witness the emotional and symbolic gesture. Both expressed their pride in seeing their father’s efforts officially recognised by the state.

The stand naming project is expected to resume within the next two weeks, following coordination and assistance from the Chief Minister’s office. This event not only commemorates the memory of Francisco Monte Cruz but also underscores the importance of honouring visionary leaders who have shaped the state’s legacy through infrastructure and public service.

As Goa continues to grow as a centre for national and international football, the Monte Cruz Stand will stand tall — a reminder of a man who built a stadium, and with it, a part of Goa’s sporting identity.