Lebanon wins 1st runner up in Miss World 2024, Czech Republic crowned as winner

Krystyna Pyszková of the Czech Republic was crowned Miss World ceremony in India on Saturday with Lebanon taking up the first runner-up position.

Lebanon’s Yasmina Zaytoun of Lebanon was the first runner-up among 112 contestants in a glittering competition held in Mumbai, India’s financial and entertainment capital.

Lebanese Yasmina Zaytoun (L) applauds as Miss World 2022 Polish Karolina Bielawska (C) greets Czech Republic Krystyna Pyszkova (R) and attend in the grand finale of the 71st Miss World pageant at Jio World Convention Centre, in Mumbai, on March 9, 2024.

“Being crowned Miss World is a dream come true. I am deeply honored to represent my country and the values of ‘beauty with a purpose’ on a global platform,” Pyszkova said.

Zaytoun took to social media, dedicating the win to her home country.

“Lebanon, you deserve the world,” the 20-year-old said in a post on Instagram.

After the reigning Miss World, Karoline Bielawska of Poland, passed the crown to her, Pyszková waved to the large crowd at the Jio World Convention Center and hugged some of the other contestants.

The event showcased the rich tapestry of India’s culture, traditions, heritage, arts and crafts, and textiles to a massive global audience. The participants wore heavily embroidered skirts and blouses and danced to popular Bollywood songs.

Contestants take part in the grand finale of the 71st Miss World pageant at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai on March 9, 2024.

The beauty competition returned to India for the first time in 28 years.

India’s Sini Shetty exited after making it to the final eight. Six Indian women have won the title, including Reita Faria (1966), Aishwarya Rai (1994), Diana Hayden (1997), Yukta Mookhey (1999), Priyanka Chopra (2000) and Manushi Chillar (2017).

The 71st Miss World beauty pageant was hosted by Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar and Miss World 2013 Megan Young from the Philippines.