Vanessa Ponce De Leon from Mexico crowned Miss World; Manushi Chhillar passes the baton

Vanessa Ponce De Leon from Mexico has been crowned as the 68th Miss World at the pageant held in Sanya, China on Saturday. India’s Manushi Chhillar, who was the previous Miss World holder, crowned Vanessa, who couldn’t hold her emotions. 

READ: Pics: Miss World Manushi Chillar Visits Ellen DeGeneres Show

Vanessa holds an International Business degree. She is also a model and a presenter. The new Miss World is also a part of the board of directors for a rehab centre for girls and volunteers and a speaker for the National Youth Institute. 

On her victory, she said backstage, “I just can’t believe it. People from Mexico and my friends have supported me. They deserve a great representative and I hope I can make them proud and do the most I can in the year in the time I have. I want to make my country proud. I love you Mexico.”  On her plans as a Miss World, she said, “I really hope I can touch as many people as possible and continue this legacy.” 

READ: Manushi Chillar Reminisces Her Iconic Miss World Victory With This Throwback Picture

Miss Thailand Nicolene Pichapa Limsnukan was declared as the runner-up. The top-5 continental winners were Miss Mexico from Americas, Miss Thailand from Asia and Oceania, Miss Belarus Maria Vasilevich from Europe, Miss Uganda Quiin Abenayko from Africa and Miss Jamaica Kadijah Robinson from the Caribbean. 

India’s Anukreethy Vas made it to the top-30 contestants but was not a part of the top-12. However, Manushi Chhillar’s Instagram account was filled with emotional messages from her fans as she passes the crown.

Most of them wrote to her how she will always remain a queen for them, and many who said, ‘Once a Miss World, always a Miss World.’ She shared some of the posts and wrote, “You guys are going to make me cry.” She also wrote, “Thank you, everyone, for your wishes. Lots of love to you all” as she posted a final selfie 30 minutes before the event. Here are some of her posts on Instagram stories: