India's Harnaaz Sandhu wins Miss Universe 2021

The 70th Miss Universe event was held in Eilat city of Israel.

The 21-year-old model from Punjab won the showpiece event by beating Paraguay's Nadia Ferreira and South Africa's Lalela Mswane.

Andrea Meza, former Miss Universe 2020 from Mexico, presented the title to her.

Earlier only two Indians were crowned Miss Universe, first was Sushmita Sen in 1994 and second was Lara Dutta (now Lara Dutta Bhupathi) in 2000.

When she was asked what advice she would give to young women on dealing with the pressure they face, Sandhu said in her statement, "The biggest pressure the youth of today is facing is to believe in themselves, to know that you are unique and that's what makes you beautiful. Stop comparing yourselves with others and let's talk about more important things that's happening worldwide."

"I think this is what you need to understand. Come out, speak for yourselves because you are the leader of your life. You are the voice of your own...," she added.

Congratulating Sandhu, Lara Dutta Bhupathi tweeted,"Congratulations @HarnaazSandhu03 !!!! Welcome to the club!!! We’ve waited 21 long years for this!!! You make us SO SO proud!!! A billion dreams come true!!!"