Czech Republic’s Krystyna Pyszkova clinched the coveted Miss World 2024 title at a glamorous event held in Mumbai. The pageant also witnessed Indian contestant Sini Shetty making it to the top 8, while Miss Lebanon Yasmina Zaytoun secured the first runner-up position. Reigning Miss World Karolina Bielawska from Poland bestowed the crown upon her successor during the star-studded finale.
Pyszkova’s victory marks the second time a contestant from the Czech Republic has won the Miss World title, following Tatana Kucharova’s win in 2006. The official Miss World website describes Pyszkova as a Czech model pursuing degrees in law and business administration. She is also the founder of the Krystyna Pyszko Foundation, advocating for sustainable development through education. Among her accomplishments, Pyszkova takes pride in establishing an English school for underprivileged children in Tanzania, where she volunteered her time.
Representing India was 22-year-old Sini Shetty, crowned Femina Miss India World in 2022. Despite her impressive performance, she was edged out by Zaytoun in the top 4. India boasts a rich history at Miss World, with six previous winners: 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 featured contestants from 112 countries and was held at the Jio World Convention Centre in BKC. The finale’s judging panel included prominent figures from various fields, such as film producer Sajid Nadiadwala, actors Kriti Sanon and Pooja Hegde, cricketer Harbhajan Singh, and former Miss Worlds. The event was hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar and former Miss World Megan Young, featuring performances by renowned singers Shaan, Neha Kakkar, and Tony Kakkar.
The month-long Miss World contest began with an opening ceremony and gala in New Delhi, organized by the India Tourism Development Corporation. Throughout the competition, participants engaged in talent showcases, sports challenges, and charitable initiatives, embodying the pageant’s ethos of ‘beauty with purpose.’