Sheynnis Palacios Wins Miss Universe 2023

Nicaragua's Sheynnis Palacios emerged victorious as Miss Universe 2023, surpassing India's Shweta Sharda in a grand event held at the Jose Adolfo Pineda Arena in San Salvador, El Salvador, on November 19.

R'Bonney Gabriel, Miss Universe 2022 from the USA, crowned Sheynnis Palacios, making her the first Nicaraguan woman to clinch the Miss Universe title this year. The 72nd Miss Universe pageant was held in El Salvador, drawing contestants from over 90 nations, all vying for the prestigious crown.

Sheynnis Palacios, aged 23, works as a television host and a model. Just before the final event, she posted a touching message on Instagram. In her message, she expressed how she was fulfilling a dream from her childhood by being a part of this global competition. She wrote in Spanish, saying, "Tonight is dedicated to my inner child and to all the girls who aspire to make this dream come true. Aim so high that even the sky seems like the limit. Dream big enough that people might think it's impossible to achieve. Because that's where you realize your dreams and goals can overcome any challenges. And always remember to pursue them with determination, persistence, and passion.”

Meanwhile India contestant Shweta Sharda, 23, secured her place in the Miss Universe 2023 semi-finals after winning the Miss Diva Universe 2023 title in August this year, representing India in this esteemed competition. Hailing from Chandigarh, Shweta is 22 years old and moved to Mumbai at 16 to pursue her dreams. She has appeared in various dance shows such as 'DID,' 'Dance Deewane,' and 'Jhalak Dikhlaja.' Notably, three Indian women have previously won the Miss Universe crown: Sushmita Sen in 1994, Lara Dutta in 2000, and Harnaz Sandhu in 2022.

-by Vishnupriya