It’s official. Sanya will be hosting the Miss World pageant for the eighth time.
The announcement was made during a press conference that took place in Sanya earlier today (April 28) in the presence of the reigning Miss World Manushi Chhillar. The city on Hainan Island in Southeast China had hosted the last year’s edition of the pageant as well.
The 68th Miss World final would be held on December 8th. For the event, that will also celebrate the 30th anniversary of Hainan Island, the contestants from all over the world would arrive in the city on November 9th. “I’m so happy to come back to Sanya”, said Chhillar at the press conference. “This is a magical place for me. I was crowned in Sanya by Stephanie and I will be crowning my successor here on December 8th.
Sanya had hosted the 53rd edition of the Miss World pageant in 2003 for the first time. According to the Miss World Organization, there was only one international brand hotel located in the city back then; and now after 15 years, Sanya has more international brand hotels than any other Chinese city.
While other information have not been revealed about the event for now, it has been announced that this year’s edition will be 30 minutes longer than previous years.
Shrinkhala Khatiwada will represent Nepal in the pageant this year. The 22-year-old architect was crowned Miss World Nepal on April 11th in the 23rd edition of the Miss Nepal pageant. She, along with her fellow Miss Nepal title holders, will be going through various training and workshops before they head to the international pageants.
Ishani Shrestha has been the most successful Nepali delegate in the Miss World competition so far. She is the only Nepali contestant to place in the top 10. She was also awarded the ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ title in the 63rd edition of the pageant that was held in Bali, Indonesia in 2013.
