Harnaaz Sandhu from India has been crowned Miss Universe at the 70th Miss Universe pageant 2021 in Eilat, Israel.
Sandhu, 21, received the crown from Andrea Meza, last year's winner from Mexico.
Sandhu, who hails from Chandigarh, claimed the crown after going past Paraguay’s Nadia Ferreira and South Africa’s Lalela Mswane.
The only two Indians to win the Miss Universe crown before her were Sushmita Sen in 1994 and Lara Dutta in 2000. Both went on to become prominent names in Hindi cinema.
Reacting to her win, Sandhu said in a statement, “I am immensely grateful to the Almighty, my parents and the Miss India Organization for guiding and supporting me throughout. Loads of love to everyone who prayed and wished the crown for me. Bringing the glorious crown back after 21 years to India is a moment of greatest pride.”
The new Miss Universe is...India!!!! #MISSUNIVERSE pic.twitter.com/DTiOKzTHl4
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) December 13, 2021
After her win, Sandhu was asked her take on the pressures faced by women today. "The biggest pressure the youth of today is facing is to believe in themselves, to know that you are unique and that's what makes you beautiful," she replied. "Stop comparing yourselves with others and let's talk about more important things that are happening worldwide.”
In 2017, India’s Manushi Chhillar had won the Miss World pageant. Before her, Priyanka Chopra had won the title in 2000 and Aishwarya Rai in 1994.