By Jimmy Chazama:
A return to the Miss World stage after a 14-year hiatus through First Princess Irene Navicha was a perfect livener for celebration for Malawi.
However, the comeback nose-dived as Malawi failed to bring home the global crown on Saturday with Navicha’s ride ending in top 40.
The top 40 quarter finalists were selected through the Miss World challenge events, the People’s Choice vote and the judges’ evaluation of the contestants throughout the festival.
Despite her early exit, Navicha, who was selected to go to Miss World controversially ahead of the reigning queen Thandie Chisi, made history by making it to top 40, a feat the country failed to achieve in the previous outings.
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“This journey has not been that easy but it has been impactful. We made history, Malawi got the first ever placement, after 14 years we were able to return to Miss World and we were able to make it to top six for Africa when it comes to Beauty with a Purpose,” she said.
Miss Malawi Public Relations Officer Stephen Mdala said they were delighted with Navicha’s milestone.
“This is the best of its kind. Miss Malawi has never been placed in the top 40 before and that calls for a celebration,” Mdala said.
Joheirry Mola of the Dominican Republic was crowned the 73rd Miss World, bringing an extraordinary celebration of the global pageant’s anniversary to a memorable conclusion on Nha Trang, Vietnam.
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The 24-year old educator, journalist and community advocate received the crown from Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangsri, the 72nd Miss World during the grand finale.
Mola’s success marks the second Miss World crown for the Dominican Republic, 44 years after Mariasela Alvarez became the first Dominican woman to win the title in 1982.
As the global queen, she has received over K1.7 billion and other prizes.
Spain’s Elisabeth Reynes was named runner up, while Taanusiya Chetty of Malaysia claimed the second runner up accolade.
The evening celebrated 75 years of friendship, service, cultural exchange and Beauty with a Purpose.
The competition which started last month attracted 111 contestants.
Meanwhile, organisers of Miss World have announced that next year’s pageant will be held in Tanzania in September.
