The winners of the first ever BRICS international beauty contest - 'Miss, Mrs and Little Miss BRICS 2026' described their shock and gratitude in Russia's Kazan on Saturday.

Winner of the Miss BRICS title, Russian Valentina Alekseeva, said she felt immense responsibility at being the inaugural champion.

"First and foremost, I feel a sense of responsibility, because with us - with this crown - the history of the competition begins today, from this final. I’m very pleased that it begins with me," the young woman noted, describing the event as a unique platform.

Winner of the Mrs BRICS title, South African Millicent Mpholodi Tlou, said that the result was a complete surprise.

"I feel happy, I feel excited, I feel overwhelmed. Oh my God, I cannot believe it, because there were so many amazing women here. I didn't even think I was going to win. But I'm so happy and I'm quite honoured to be wearing this crown," she enthused.

"Keep on dreaming, persist, be authentic, be yourself, never ever want to be someone else. Just be yourself at all times. Work so hard. Work on your dreams and continue living and have fun," Mpholodi Tlou concluded.

Little Miss BRICS title champion, China's Dumao Safira Kara Gille, said she was also delighted.

"Even when you can't do your dreams, just keep on trying," the girl added.

The final of the competition took place on March 7 at the Kazan Expo exhibition centre. More than 40 participants from 17 countries competed for the victory.

National selections and preparations took place from January 1 to February 26. The event focuses on developing tourism and cultural diplomacy within BRICS.