World at Manushi’s feet

INDIA’S Manushi Chhillar won the Miss World title at the Sanya City Arena in China, ending 16 years of drought for the country at the international pageant.

Chhillar is the sixth Indian to win the title and the first since Priyanka Chopra won the crown in 2000.

“The feeling is still sinking in and I am very excited to make India proud, too. I’m also looking forward to the year ahead,” she said after her triumph on Saturday.

Chhillar, 21, was born to doctor parents in Haryana.

“My parents have always been my pillar of support and having them here tonight by my side has only brought me more strength and joy,” said Chhillar, whose siblings also attended.

She was crowned by Miss World 2016, Puerto Rico’s Stephanie Del Valle.

Miss Mexico Andrea Meza was announced the first runnerup and Miss England Stephanie Hill was second runner-up.

Apart from the main title, Chhillar also won the “Beauty with Purpose” award.

Soon after, congratulatory messages poured in. “And we have a successor! Congratulations Manushi Chhillar on becoming Miss World 2017. Cherish and learn, and most importantly enjoy it. Bravo,” tweeted Chopra.

Former Miss World Sushmita Sen wrote: “India wins Miss World 2017! Congratulations Manushi Chhillar. Yipeeeee, about time! Super proud! Jai Hind.”

Chhillar schooled in Delhi and became a student of medicine in Sonepat.

The first Miss World crown was won for India by Reita Faria in 1943, followed by Aishwarya Rai (1994), Diana Hayden (1997), Yukta Mookhey (1999) and Priyanka Chopra (2000). – IANS