Sanya, China: India's Manushi Chhillar on Saturday won the coveted Miss World 2017 title at a glittering event here, ending 16 years of drought for India at the international pageant.

Priyanka Chopra was the last winner from India in 2000.

Chhillar, 21, looked emotional as the crown was placed on her head by Miss World 2016 winner Puerto Rico's Stephanie Del Valle.


 She competed against 108 contestants from various countries at the pageant.

Miss World 2016 Stephanie Del Valle (top) put the crown on Miss India Manushi Chhilar (down) after she wins the 67th Miss World. (Photo: AFP)

Miss Mexico Andrea Meza was announced the first runner up, while Miss England Stephanie Hill was declared the second runner up at an event held at Sanya City Area. Miss World's social media account, however, mixed up the winners' names in the post below. Read more on this

Manushi Chillar, born to doctor parents from Haryana, studied at St. Thomas School in Delhi and Bhagat Phool Singh Government Medical College for Women in Sonepat.

In an interview during her grooming, she said: "The only thing I believe is certain in life is uncertainty, and this is what is amazing about the pageant."

She had also said that she is confident of winning the crown.

Apart from the title, Chhillar also won the Beauty with Purpose award.

Chillar had earlier this year won the Femina Miss India 2017. 

Miss World is the oldest running international beauty pageant. It was created in the United Kingdom by Eric Morley in 1951.

Miss World title holders from India

2017: Manushi Chhillar
2000: Priyanka Chopra
1999: Yukta Mookhey
1997: Diana Hayden
1994: Aishwarya Rai
1966: Reita Faria Powell