Solitary contestant Tenzin Yonten crowned Miss Tibet 2018 in US
DHARAMSALA, Dec 24: Tenzin Yonten, the only contestant for this year’s Miss Tibet competition was crowned Miss Tibet 2018 uncontested at a coronation ceremony in New York City.
TenzinYonten, 23 from NYC was declared the winner of the 16th edition of Miss Tibet 2018 beauty pageant amid thunderous cheers and applause on Dec 22 at the Armenian Church, 2nd Avenue in New York City.
This is the fifth time since its inception in 2002 that the crown was won uncontested by a lone participant. In 2003, 2005, 2013 and 2014 editions of Miss Tibet also had only one contestant. While last year, it had a record nine contestants.
“We received thirteen applications for this year’s Pageant. Nine from India and 4 from the US, but all the nine contestants from India couldn’t make it to the pageant as they were denied visa by the US embassy while three contestants from the US has withdrawn expressing various personal reasons,” explained Lobsang Wangyal, the director of the Miss Tibet Pageant.
He further stated that he felt sad and disappointed for the contestants from India were denied visa twice by the US authorities.
Despite there being no competition for the title, Lobsang Wangyal noted that the commitment of the lone contestant should be lauded and respected. “She was ready and fully prepared for the pageant contest,” he added.
The 23-yr-old Tibetan girl is a film and business student from NYC. She promised to work on preserving and promoting the Tibetan language.
“To save a nation from extinction, you must first save it’s written and spoken the language,” she said.
The organisers decided to shift the pageant to America from Dharamsala for the year 2018. The event was scheduled for August 11 but has to be postponed till Dec – owing to visa issue for the contestants from India.
Lobsang Wangyal having announced to sell his production last year at the finale has partnered with an entertainment company, Engage Entertainment, to host the 16th edition of the pageant as he has reportedly failed to find a buyer. Sonam Wangdue and Lalit Bhatnagar from Engage Entertainment are now his new partner.
PRIYA SIRHA from Dubai is the official costume and design partner of the pageant while New York Tibetan Service Centre has backed with all the traditional Tibetan accessories and jewellery for Miss Tibet 2018.
