MUMBAI: India's Manushi Chhillar, who made the country proud by winning the Miss World 2017 and landed here to a warm welcome, thanked fans for showering her with love.
"I thank each and every one who came to welcome me. It was overwhelming and I am grateful for your support. Thank you for showering me with all your love," Manushi said in a statement.
The 21-year-old Haryana girl broke the 16-year jinx for India at the Miss World 2017 pageant with her win. The last Miss World from India was Priyanka Chopra in 2000.
When Manushi came out of the international airport here late on Saturday night, she was greeted with numerous fans chanting "India, India" as they held up Indian flags and posters of Manushi. The posters read: "Welcome back Manushi Chhillar", "Manushi Chhillar is Beauty with Brains, Miss World 2017".
"Feels great to be back home. Thank you India, for such a grand welcome," Manushi tweeted.
A medical student hailing from Haryana, Chhillar competed against 108 contestants from various countries at a glittering event held at Sanya City Arena in China to grab the title.
Manushi has been showered with praise for her answer in the final round. On being asked, “Which profession deserves the highest salary and why?”, she replied, “I think a mother is of the highest respect. I don’t think its just about cash but love and respect she gives to someone. She is the biggest inspiration in my life. Mother should get the highest respect.”
She was crowned the new queen by Miss World 2016 winner Puerto Rico's Stephanie Del Valle.
Besides Chhillar, the first runner-up was Stephanie Hill from England, while Andrea Meza, hailing from Mexico, was announced the second runner-up.
(With ANI inputs)