KATHMANDU: Anshika Sharma, a Nepali residing in Sydney, Australia, was crowned Miss Universe Nepal 2020.

Miss Nepal Universe 2017 Nagma Shrestha, National Director of Miss Universe Nepal, crowned the 24-year-old at an event held on December 30.

Impressing the judges with her answer to the question, ‘What is the one life lesson that you have learned after COVID-19 and its effects?’, she was able to take home the coveted crown.

Her winning answer was: “The one lesson that I have learnt after COVID-19 is always to be ready for all the challenges that life throws at you because life is uncertain. Also for the government and for the individuals, be economically prepared because COVID-19 has taught us that economy is so important that we need to always be aware and always secure our finances to be moving forward in life.”

Sharma won a cash prize of Rs 10 lakhs and a chance to participate in the Miss Universe pageant among others.

Sharma, who calls herself an advocate for education and a go getter, also won the subtitle of Miss Fierce.

Likewise, Sujita Basnet, a non-resident Nepali residing in the US, became the first runner-up, Nina Kant Mandal, a mental health advocate and professional model from Moscow, Russia was named the second runner-up, Dr Dikta Thapa from Chandragiri became the third runner-up while Nancy Khadka from Biratnagar was the fourth runner-up. Basnet also bagged Miss Lifestyle subtitle, Khadka was announced Miss Fabulous, while Mandal was chosen the winner of Brave, Bold, Beautiful Social Advocacy Winning Cause for her video on mental health.

The grand finale that saw Top 18 contestants on the stage was adjudged by a panel of judges comprising former Miss Nepal and media personality Malvika Subba, Anupama Khunjeli, CEO of Mega Bank Limited, actress Usha Rajak, Prerana Shah, international holistic health and transformation specialist, editor Charu Chadha, and rockstar Abhaya Subba.

The Top 10 were selected from Top 18, which was followed by the selection of Top 5 — based on judges’ selection and public votes. The grand finale also saw a swimsuit catwalk round where contestants sashayed the ramp in swimsuits.

This is the first time Miss Universe Nepal has been conducted as an independent event, separate from Miss Nepal. The winner gets a chance to participate in Miss Universe.