NEW DELHI, Oct 28: Rachel Gupta made history by becoming the first Indian to win the Miss Grand International crown, a landmark achievement that has brought immense pride to India. Her victory at the prestigious pageant has brought immense pride to India, with her remarkable journey celebrated across the nation.
However, following the pageant, a dramatic incident involving Myanmar’s team has drawn significant media attention. During the event, Myanmar’s representative Thae Su Nyein was declared the second runner-up, with Christine Juliane Opiaza of the Philippines winning the first runner-up position. Following the announcement, Htoo Ant Lwin, Myanmar’s National Director, unexpectedly took away Thae’s crown and sash on stage, leading to an outcry on social media. In response, Miss Grand International (MGI) terminated its association with Htoo and imposed a lifetime ban, citing a “lack of sportsmanship and business credibility,” as reported by the Thai news outlet Khaosod English.
In a live Facebook video, Thae Su Nyein shared her decision to return her second runner-up title. She said, “I’m not controlled by anyone, I just take my own decision. I give back my second runner-up crown just because we don’t get what we deserve: Our National Costume prize, our Country Power of the Year—not the winner crown. I’m not blaming my sisters. I love India, I love the Philippines, they’re my best sisters of all time. I don’t blame them,” she said on Facebook live as quoted by Philstarlife.com
She also clarified the on-stage incident with Htoo, explaining that he had taken the crown to steady her after she had almost fallen. “He just took care of me… because I couldn’t walk anymore,” she said, countering what circulating videos appeared to show. “I cried not because I did not get the winner crown, not because I didn’t feel like I deserved the second runner-up, not because of any of those. Because, not only for me but for people my country, they all hoped for this crown and they all fought together,” she further added.
MGI President Nawat Itsaragrisil acknowledged Thae’s decision to relinquish her title and addressed the situation in a press conference in Bangkok. Commenting on her dissatisfaction with the pageant’s results, he remarked, “What makes her so delusional? If she wants first place and must have it, I suggest she create her own pageant so she can win every title,” as quoted by Khaosod English.
Rachel Gupta’s groundbreaking win remains a significant achievement, spotlighting India’s cultural and traditional richness on an international platform.
