Harnaaz Sandhu crowned Miss Universe 2021 in Israel

Harnaaz Sandhu, 21, representing India at the 70th Miss Universe 2021, brought home the crown, two decades after Lara Dutta won the title in 2000.

Harnaaz made India proud by winning the crown for Miss Universe 2021, held in Eilat, Israel. Harnaaz edged out contestants Paraguay and South Africa to bag the crown.

The moment her name was declared as the winner, Harnaaz broke down with tears of joy. She could also be seen joining her hands in gratitude.

Mexico's Andrea Meza, the reigning queen, passed on her crown to the new successor.

India had earlier won the coveted crown twice with Sushmita Sen bagging the title in 1994 and Lara Dutta in 2000. The 21-year-old Harnaaz, hailing from Chandigarh, has now joined the league of these incredible women.

"Congratulations @HarnaazSandhu03 !!!! Welcome to the club!!! We've waited 21 long years for this!!! You make us SO SO proud!!! A billion dreams come true!!! @MissDivaOrg @MissUniverse," Lara tweeted.

Priyanka Chopra, former Miss World, also congratulated Harnaaz on her historic win: "And the new Miss Universe is... Miss India Congratulations @HarnaazSandhu03... bringing the crown home after 21 years!" Along with the congratulatory message, Priyanka also shared Harnaaz's moment of crowning glory.

(ANI)