Ava Vahneshan is the new Miss Universe Persia 2024
Ava Vahneshan has been named the new Miss Universe Persia 2024 and will represent Persia (Iran) at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant in Mexico.
The 26-year-old Chinese medicine specialist and talented singer from Portugal replaced the original winner, Iranian-American nurse practitioner Fay Asghari.
According to the pageant's national director Golshan Bakhtiary, Fay Asghari and the Miss Universe Persia Organization have both mutually agreed that it's in the best interest of both parties to part ways.
Golshan also explained that Fay's obligations to her practice and her patients at her successful medical spa in Los Angeles prevent her from committing the necessary time to prepare for the Miss Universe competition.
A decision to appoint a replacement was made so the national title went to the first runner-up of the Miss Universe Persia 2024 competition, which was held in Rome, Italy on June 17.
The newly appointed Miss Universe Persia is of Persian descent and the daughter of a humble construction painter who immigrated to Portugal.
In 2021, she became a sensation on "The Voice Portugal" where her voice touched the hearts of audiences and the media in Portugal, Brazil, and the world.
"It is with deep honor that I step onto the grand stage of Miss Universe, representing my beloved country of Persia for the very first time in the 73 years of this remarkable competition," Ava shared online.
"This moment is not only a personal dream come true but a triumph for my entire nation—a nation with a legacy so rich and ancient," she added.
"To represent Persia is to carry with me the weight of its history, its culture, and the heart of my people."
The 73rd Miss Universe pageant will be held on November 16 in Mexico City.
Photos: GEMxFoto, César Melo
