Czech Republic's Krystyna Pyszkova crowned Miss World 2024

Mumbai: Mumbai: Miss Czech Republic Krystyna Pyszkova has been crowned as the new Miss World at the 71st Miss World Competition held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai on Saturday evening. The reigning Miss World Karolina Bielawska adorned the winner with the crown she had won in 2022. Miss Lebanon Yasmina Zaytoun has been named the first runner-up.

In a mesmerising spectacle of glitterati and glamour, the Miss World beauty pageant showcased a resplendent tapestry of beauty, art and design from across the world with the rich culture and heritage of India as the backdrop. Though India's contender Sini Shetty made it to the top eight, she was not able to make it to the top four.

The grand finale, showcased an array of entertainment shows and presentations which aired messages of social relevance. The stellar lineup of judges included names from the film fraternity and entertainment business.

Pyszkova is the second Miss World from Czech Republic after 2006 pageant winner Tatana Kucharova. According to the official Miss World website, Pyszkova is a Czech model who is pursuing separate degrees in law and business administration.

Pyszkova, who is in her 20s, is also the founder of the Krystyna Pyszko Foundation. The model, who is fluent in English, Polish, Slovak, and German languages, is an advocate for sustainable development through education.

"Her proudest moment was opening an English school for underprivileged children in Tanzania where she also volunteered. She enjoys playing the transverse flute and the violin, and has a passion for music and art having spent nine years in an art academy," read Pyszkova's profile on the website.

India, which hosted the event after 28 years, was represented by 22-year-old Shetty. Mumbai-born Shetty, who was crowned Femina Miss India World in 2022, was bested by Zaytoun who claimed the last spot in the top 4 of the competition.

India has won the prestigious title six times -- Reita Faria Powell (1966), Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (1994), Diana Hayden (1997), Yukta Mookhey (1999), Priyanka Chopra Jonas (2000), and Manushi Chillar (2017). The 71st Miss World pageant, which witnessed participation of contestants from 112 countries, was held at the Jio World Convention Centre in BKC here.

Part of the 12-judge panel for the finale included film producer Sajid Nadiadwala; actors Kriti Sanon, Pooja Hegde; cricketer Harbhajan Singh; news personality Rajat Sharma, social worker Amruta Fadnavis; Vineet Jain, MD of Bennett, Coleman & Co. Limited; Julia Morley, Chairperson and CEO of the Miss World Organization; Jamil Saidi, Strategic Partner & Host - Miss World India, and three former Miss Worlds, including Chillar.

Filmmaker Karan Johar and former Miss World Megan Young hosted the event, which kickstarted on a high note with performances by singers Shaan, Neha Kakkar, and Tony Kakkar.

A video message by Chopra Jonas highlighting the importance of 'beauty with purpose', a tagline associated with the Miss World pageant, was also played at the event.

Earlier, the cast of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's maiden web series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar" -- Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal, and Sanjeeda Sheikh -- walked the stage with 13 fast-track Miss World contestants on the show's newly released song "Sakal Ban".

The month-long Miss World contest commenced with "The Opening Ceremony" and "India Welcomes the World Gala" by the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) in New Delhi on February 20.

It featured a series of rigorous competitions, including talent showcases, sports challenges, and charitable initiatives -- all aimed at highlighting the qualities that make these competitors the ambassadors of change.
(With inputs from PTI)