Czech Republic Krystyna Pyszková crowned Miss World 2024 in Mumbai

Krystyna Pyszková of the Czech Republic beat out 111 fellow contestants to walk away with the glittering Miss World 2024 crown in Mumbai, India on 9 March, reported CNN.

In a star-studded ceremony, the 23-year-old law student was crowned by her predecessor Karolina Bielawska of Poland, and is the 71st Miss World. Yasmina Zeytoun of Lebanon was announced First Runner Up.

The international pageant, which was hosted in India after 28 years, whittled down its contestants to the top 40 during the preliminary phase in a series of events encompassing fitness, beauty, talent and public speaking. The field was then narrowed even further to the top 12, and subsequently, the top 8. The top 8 contestants faced a gruelling Q&A round, addressing topics discussed at the recent G20 Summit.

After yet another cut, the final 4 contestants were left to ‘pitch their purpose’, or philanthropic platform, to a trio of business moguls from Shark Tank India.

Hindustan Times reported that the finale, which took place at the Jio World Convention Centre in BKC, Mumbai, was hosted by Karan Johar and Former Miss World, Megan Young. India previously hosted the 46th edition of the Miss World pageant, which was won by Irene Skliva of Greece, and the panel of judges consisted of Kriti Sanon, Manushi Chhillar, Pooja Hegde, Harbhajan Singh, Rajat Sharma, Amruta Fadnavis, Vineet Jain, Julia Morley CBE, and Jamil Saidi with Shaan, Tony Kakkar and Neha Kakkar wowing the audiences with electric performances.

Pyszková, reigning champion and law student and activist, spoke passionately about removing the stigma and shame surrounding menstruation, saying that “being a woman is a gift” and that periods should not be a taboo subject. The winner's Beauty With A Purpose project, according to Hindustan Times, concentrated on the work she developed in Tanzania, where she inaugurated a school and contributed as a volunteer to promote quality education for children.

Education being her passion, Pyszková has opened her foundation in the Czech Republic, focusing on providing several educational programs not only for children but also for the elderly and mentally disabled people.

In addition to studying law, the current Miss World is also studying for a degree in Business Administration, in addition to working as a model. As well as boasting a full academic calendar, the new Miss World, having spent nine years in an Art Academy, also has a passion for music and art, playing the flute and violin. Business Standard reports that Pyszková’s days in India were ‘colourful’, and that she will carry the spirit of India back home with her.

"All the days (I spent in India) were very colourful and different," the Miss World 2024 told PTI. "We visited many beautiful projects and places. For example, we (all contestants) visited the Dharavi Project where we felt very inspired because we were able to interact with children who are trying to reach their dreams through music. It was incredible."

The volunteer-activist acknowledged that the Miss World crown is a big responsibility, but stressed that she wouldn’t disappoint. "I will work hard because I realise how much it means not only to me but to the whole organisation (Miss World Organization) to do well for us to be a good advocate for important causes," she said.

Pyszkova is the second Miss World from the Czech Republic after 2006 pageant winner Tatana Kucharova. India, which last hosted the event in 1996, has bagged the title six times with Reita Faria Powell (1966), Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (1994), Diana Hayden (1997), Yukta Mookhey (1999), Priyanka Chopra Jonas (2000), and Manushi Chillar (2017) being named winners.