Nicaragua’s Sheynnis Palacios made history by securing the Miss Universe 2023 title at the 72nd edition of the pageant held in El Salvador last Saturday. The 23-year-old beauty queen was crowned by her predecessor, R’Bonney Gabriel of the United States.
This groundbreaking victory marks the first time a contestant from Nicaragua has claimed the Miss Universe crown. The runners-up in the competition were Anntonia Porsild from Thailand and Moraya Wilson from Australia, rounding out the top three.
Palacios, emphasizing humility and gratitude for small things as her defining qualities, emerged victorious over 84 contestants during a week-long series of competitions, including swimsuit, evening gown, and national dress segments.
During the final question posed by the judges, Palacios highlighted the importance of gender equality in pay, advocating for women to have equal opportunities in any field. She expressed, “There is no limit for women.”
The pageant unfolded on a stage set in the recently renovated Adolfo Pineda National Gymnasium in the capital, San Salvador. El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele graced the gala, and it was announced that the next edition of Miss Universe will be hosted in Mexico.
Cricket Legend Mohammad Yousuf Takes The Helm As Pakistan U19 Head Coach
Meanwhile, on Saturday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the appointment of former Test captain Mohammad Yousuf as the head coach of Pakistan U19. Yousuf’s initial assignments include the Asian Cricket Council U19 Asia Cup 2023 in the UAE (December 8 to 17) and the 2024 ICC U19 World Cup in Sri Lanka (January 13 to February 4).
Expressing his anticipation, Yousuf stated, “I am eagerly looking forward to the upcoming U19 Asia Cup and ICC U19 World Cup tournaments, which are crucial to the players’ growth, and we will be aiming to do our best in these events,” as per a statement by the PCB.