Fay Fernandes Wins Miss Goa International Crown
News related to:Miss Goa International · 2 min read
The first-ever Miss Goa International 2026 crowned Fay Fernandes, a young Goan woman from London who once struggled with stage fright but ultimately turned her fear into a platform for personal growth and inspiration. Standing before an international audience at the Radisson RED London Heathrow, Fernandes was announced as the inaugural winner of the pageant, marking a significant moment in the history of the event.
The first edition of Miss Goa International featured 12 finalists representing Goa, the United Kingdom, and Canada. A 10,000 prize fund was divided among the three principal titleholders, highlighting the event's commitment to rewarding and supporting talented women of Goan heritage.
Fay Fernandes, who is currently studying accounting and finance, has interests in makeup, dancing, badminton, and board games. Her journey to the final was not without challenges; originally from Goa and raised in London, she initially faced stage fright but was supported by her mother and best friend. Fernandes' win is a testament to her perseverance and the potential of the Miss Goa International pageant to inspire others.
The inaugural competition was organized in the United Kingdom by Jason Diniz of J&D Entertainment, Vilber De Costa of Navayah Films, and Milroy Goes of Moqui Pictures. Directed by Milroy Goes, a filmmaker and Television Academy Emmy Voting Member, the event aimed to connect culture and heritage with opportunities in entertainment, fashion, film, and media. The pageant's organizers envision the Miss Goa International as a traveling international pageant for women of Goan heritage, aiming to foster connections and growth within the global Goan diaspora.
The event's success extends beyond the titleholders, as contestants like Luanna Fernandes, a model and footballer who represented Goa at Elite Model Look India in 2017, and Erika Martha Dcosta, a cabin crew professional with Goan ancestry, found the competition not only as a platform for competition but also as a means to connect with members of the worldwide Goan diaspora.
A painting of Goa created by artist Richelle Travassos during the Talent Round was donated to the organizing committee, with a portion of the proceeds intended to support a charity selected by the founders. The artwork serves as a visual connection to home, linking the pageant to a charitable cause.
Looking toward 2027, the Miss Goa International pageant plans to develop the inaugural competition into a limited episodic series, with entries for the 2027 edition scheduled to open in October 2026 under the theme "One Crown - Taking the World to Goa."
The Miss Goa International pageant, founded in 2026 in London, aims to celebrate Goan women, heritage, and culture, while providing opportunities in entertainment, fashion, film, and media. The pageant's organizers envision a future where the event continues to connect and inspire women of Goan heritage worldwide.