As a schoolgirl, she was told she wasn't beautiful. Instead of being dejected, Sushmita Singh, 18, worked hard and four years later, on May 17, was crowned Miss Teen World 2019. She is the first Indian and Asian to take the crown. The Dominican Republic and Panama were the runners-up. Sushmita was crowned by out-going Miss Teen Mundial 2018 from the Dominican Republic, Angivette Toribio, at El Salvador.

'You're not beautiful'
An excited Sushmita explained how her journey began. "During my school days I was really good in sports and won several medals. Once I wanted to walk the ramp during a function. But my teachers and seniors said I walk like a boy and don't look beautiful. I was so upset. But I started changing myself. Four years ago I came to know about this teen beauty pageant competition. I started working for it and won!" she said.