New Delhi: India is all set to host the prestigious Miss World pageant this year after nearly three decades. The 71st Miss World comes to India after a huge gap of 27 years, the last one being in the year 1996. This announcement was made on June 8 by Miss World Organization Chairman Julia Morley and Miss World 2022 winner Karolina Bielawska in the presence of Femina Miss India World 2022 winner Sini Shetty, at a press conference in Delhi.
"I am delighted to announce India as the new home of the 71st Miss World Final! I have had a great affection for India from the first moment I visited this incredible country more than 30 years ago! We cannot wait to share your unique and diverse culture, world-class attractions and breathtaking locations with the rest of the world," said Julia Morley in a statement.
Interestingly, it had been confirmed months back that this year's event will be hosted by the United Arab Emirates, so this sudden turn of events has indeed come as a big surprise to India.
This decision by Julia Morley was based on her recent visit to India on the occasion of World Environment Day where she was impressed by the rich cultural heritage of the country, its commitment to promoting diversity and its passion for empowering women.
In addition to that, Karolina Bielawska, Miss World 2022, told that she is excited to hand over her crown in this "beautiful country" which stands for the same values as Miss World.
"India has the greatest hospitality in the entire world. It is my second time here and you make me feel at home. You stand for the same values, diversity, and unity. Your core values are family, respect, love, and kindness and this is something that we would love to show to the world. There is so much more to see here, and bringing the whole world here for a month and showing everything that India has to offer is the best idea," said Miss World 2022, as reported by PTI.
Equally excited and looking forward to India hosting the event was Sini Shetty, who'll represent the country in the high-octane competition.
She said, "I am so excited to meet all my sisters across the globe to welcome them to India to show them what India truly stands for, what India is, and what is diversity in India. I am really excited and looking forward to this journey. I hope you guys have the best time here in India," as reported by PTI.
Former Miss World Manushi Chillar also shared the news on her Instagram stories while she expressed her joy and excitement. She wrote, "Wohoo! Super excited to welcome the Miss World competition in India!!"
The month-long event, which will involve participants from over 130 nations, will include a variety of rigorous activities like talent shows, sporting challenges, and philanthropic endeavours- all designed to highlight the qualities that make them ambassadors of change.
Previously, India has brought home the coveted crown six times. The first-ever Miss World from India Reita Faria won the contest in 1966. Aishwarya Rai (1994), Diana Hayden (1997), Yukta Mookhey (1999), Priyanka Chopra (2000) and most recently Manushi Chillar (2017) are the other Indian winners of the contest.
This year, the coveted beauty pageant is expected to be held in November or December, but the exact date has not yet been declared.