New Delhi: The oldest running beauty pageant in the world, Miss World was to host its global broadcast finale at Puerto Rico this week, but the Miss World Organisation has temporarily postponed it due to health and safety interest of contestants, staff, crew and general public.
The decision was taken after 17 contestants and staff members tested positive for Covid-19. Among those infected is Manasa Varanasi, who was crowned Miss India World 2020, and will represent India at the international beauty pageant.
‘We were in great disbelief that she (Manasa Varanasi) might not be able to grace the world stage inspite of her immense hard work and dedication, however her safety is of utmost importance to us,’ Miss India Organisation said on their official Instagram page.
In a press release, Miss World announced, ‘After meeting with the virologists and medical experts hired to oversee the Miss World 2021 event and discussing with the Puerto Rico Health Department, the decision has been made by the organizers of the event to postpone the globally broadcast finale at the Puerto Rico Coliseum Jose Miguel Agrelot to be held within the next 90 days.’