India is set to host the Miss World competition this year after nearly three decades. Though the dates have not yet been confirmed, this 71st edition of the competition is expected to take place in November this year. In a press conference, Julia Morley, chairperson and CEO of Miss World Organization said, "The 71st Miss World 2023 will showcase the Achievements of 130 National champions in their one-month journey across 'Incredible India' as we present the 71st and most spectacular Miss World final ever." Miss World 2022 Karolina Bielawska shared her excitement at the same press conference, "I couldn't be more excited that I will hand over my crown in this beautiful country and I will be able to spend my entire month with 114 nations here in India. I believe that you have the greatest hospitality in the entire world. And it's my second time here and have always been welcomed with open arms and you make me feel at home. And also India represents diversity. However, I came here for the second time, I discovered that the country is diverse but still has unity, core values from the family, respect, love, and kindness. And this is something that the world loves to see.”
In anticipation of this event, let's have a look at some interesting facts about India's connection to the competition.
Top 5 Facts About The Indian Connection To The Pageant
1. Miss World 2023 will be hosted in India for the second time and it is the Pageant's 71st year. India is hosting the Competition after 27 years.
2. The last time India hosted the competition was in Bangalore (Bengaluru) in 1996 when 18-year-old Irene Skliva of Greece won the title.
3. Sini Shetty who is 21 years old will be representing India this year for the Miss World competition. The current Miss World is Karolina Bielawska of Poland, who was crowned in San Juan, Puerto Rico, last year and will be handing over her crown to the winner at the Pageant this year.
4. Manushi Chillar won the Miss World competition for India in 2017, the last win for the country at the competition.
5. India along with Venezuela holds the most Miss World title holders with 6 winners. The first Indian to be crowned Miss World was Reita Faria in 1966, followed by Aishwarya Rai in 1994, Diana Haydon in 1997, Yukta Mookhey in 1999, Priyanka Chopra in 2000, and finally Manushi in 2017
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6. Many Miss India World winners returned to judge the competition including Aishwarya Rai, Diana Hayden, Priyanka Chopra, and Reita Faria.
Miss World is the oldest existing international beauty pageant. It was created in the United Kingdom by Eric Morley in 1951.
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