A teenager who was born in Uzbekistan has become the first Muslim beauty contestant to becrowned Miss England. Hammasa Kohistani, 18, said she was “happy to make history” and was looking forward to representing England in the Miss World championships in China.
She was born in Tashkent, central Uzbekistan, after her parents were forced to flee Afghanistan. The brunette, who speaks six languages including Russian and Persian, was selected from 40 contestants.
She was crowned on Saturday night following the two-day competition at Liverpool’s Olympia Theatre. Dressed in an ivory white chiffon and silk ball gown designed and made by her mother, the teenager spoke of her joy at winning the title. “When they announced that I had won I thought I had misheard. I hoped they hadn’t, but it took a second to sink in.”
Asked about her feelings at being the first Muslim Miss England, she said: “I’m making history and I’m very happy. Hopefully I won’t be the last.” The student, who was known as Miss Maya after the Asian fashion house which sponsored her, has also been offered a part in a forthcoming Bollywood movie.
Since winning Miss England Hammasa has had TV interviews with Sky News and CNN and has appeared on GMTV and Lorraine Kelly Live. She has had innumerable press interviews and has appeared in national and international newspapers and magazines.
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