Calls for Israel boycott defied as India's Sandhu crowned Miss Universe

Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu was crowned Miss Universe in the Israeli city of Eilat yesterday among 80 contestants defying pressure to boycott in support of the Palestinians.

Sandhu, 21, took the top prize, with Paraguay's Nadia Ferreira as first runner-up and Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane behind her.

South Africa's Ministry of Sports, Culture and Arts had urged its contestant to stay away from Eilat, citing "atrocities committed by Israel against Palestinians."

The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel also wrote: "We urge all participants to withdraw, to avoid complicity in Israel's apartheid regime and its violation of Palestinian human rights."

In an interview late last month, the outgoing Miss Universe Andrea Meza, of Mexico, said the pageant should steer clear of politics. "Miss Universe isn't a political movement, nor a religious one. It's about women and what they can offer."