12 Dec 2018  |   05:58am IST

Goa’s Prathamesh Maulingkar is India’s first Mister Supranational winner

In a proud moment for India, especially Goa, our very own Prathamesh Maulingkar has become the first Indian to win the title of Mister Supranational. The youngster credits Goa and the support he has received for his victory

Team Café

Goa boy Prathamesh Maulingkar, who won

the title of Mister Supranational 2018, in Poland on Sunday, says he always had the confidence to make it to the top but could hardly believe it when his name was announced as the winner. The 27-year-old defeated 37 other contestants from all over the world in the final round to win the coveted title. Having worked hard for three years to clinch the title Prathamesh is “super happy” and is now looking forward to coming back home to Goa and celebrating his success with his friends and family and tuck in his favourite food cooked by his mother – Goan Fish Curry.

Prathamesh says, “I was surprised when they announced my name as the winner. And then when Gabriel Correa handed over the winner’s trophy and put that sash around me, it was the most incredible feeling. I knew I had it in me but frankly, the win was unexpected. But as they say, and now I firmly believe it too, that hard work definitely pays. And also, I would like to thank Miss India Organization for believing in me and giving me this opportunity to represent my country at Mister Supranational 2018” Prathamesh groomed and trained himself for this year’s contest and won the coveted title of Mister Supranational 2018.

The former St Anne School and St Xavier higher secondary college student of Goa, says he is now looking forward to sharing his happiness of winning Mister Supranational with his family and friends back home.

“My parents, friends from school, college and gym are eagerly waiting for me to be there at home. My mom had started crying when they got to know that I had won. My parents were so happy that they cut a cake and partied the whole night the day I won. My friends have been calling me and showering me with their love and best wishes. “There’s so much excitement among all my relatives and even our neighbors, my school and college want to honor me. That’s’ what I call god’s blessings. It’s a beautiful feeling.”

The third edition of Mister Supranational 2018 pageant took place on December 9, 2018 in Krynica-Zdrój, Poland. 39 finalists from around the globe competed for the coveted title of Mister Supranational 2018.

At the end of the evening the Gabriel Correa handed over the winner’s trophy and sash to Prathamesh Maulingkar from India. At the same pageant, Mister Supranational Poland was adjudged first runner up, Mister Supranational Brazil was adjudged second runner up, Mister Supranational Thailand was announced as the third runner up, and Mister Supranational Brazil was announced fourth runner up.

Giving credit to his city of birth for his win, Prathamesh says, “All credit goes to Goa for my success. My basic personality has been shaped in this city. Yes, I got the exposure and the confidence to face the world in Mumbai, where I shifted a year ago but Goa is where my roots are.”