A rapid-fire chat with Miss World 2024 Krystyna Pyszkova

- ADVERTISEMENT -

She is one of those rare foreigners with whom I got the opportunity to chat. After talking with Mrs. World 2005, Sima Bakahr, a descendant of the Lumiere Brothers in 2007 and of course Hong Kong singer Tata Young in 2004, I had the pleasure of a rapid-fire with Ms. Krystyna Pyszkova at the Miss World 2025 press meet in Hyderabad.

Owing to a quick perusal of her page online, and every reference and address to her that I had heard at the presscon (I met her the same evening around 5 pm), I begin with an uncommon question and she is thrilled.

Excerpts from an interview:

- ADVERTISEMENT -

How many people in India so far has pronounced your second name correctly as “Pish-kova”?

(Laughs) You are the first! Thank you so much!

What is the meaning of the words Krystyna and Pyszkova?

There is no such meaning that I know of. Krystyna is a common name. Maybe what is interesting that though I am a Czech, I have a Polish name! And that’s because I live at the border. I was born at a place 5 minutes from Poland.

How does it feel to be here in India a second time after winning the Miss World contest in 2024 in Mumbai?

I am so excited! First things first—I won my title in India! I have my memories of Indian atmosphere, because the finale had this Indian spice. I call it Indian spice, Indian magic! It was very vibrant, very energetic, a lot of beautiful Indian dancers dressed in Indian costumes and Indian songs. That really connected to me and when I hear and watch all this again, it will make me very emotional as it will take me back to the time when I was standing on stage and they were calling out my name and that of the Czech Republic.

Did you expect your victory then?

To be honest, I did not! But there is always hope. That day, when I woke up, I was actually sick and I was asking the doctor whether I could compete because I had fever! He allowed me but I thought maybe I am not in my best version and not full of energy and maybe it will affect my answers and my presence. But thank God it worked out and I was super-excited as it was a big shock to win, but when it happened, it took me a few days to realize it!

Two questions: what do you like most about India, and secondly, when you are here, what do you miss most about your own country?

My favorite thing about India is that everyone can find what they love, desire and want to explore. You have architecture that is also appreciated by UNESCO, you have spirituality, you have Nature’s bounties like waterfalls, then there is so much diversity in food. Everyone can find something for themselves. And the people are so welcoming and friendly and helpful.

Over here, I miss my family and my ducks! Last year, it was also very hard for me to be on the other side of the world when my grandmother developed Parkinsonism that got worse and worse and she needed to be hospitalized. I have my parents, my sister and a big family and lots of friends. We all stick together! On the other side, I was doing what I loved here.

How do you feel being the second winner as Miss World from your country?

I was watching the Miss World Pageant in 2006, when Taťána Kuchařová won! I was six or seven and I remember telling myself that she is so hardworking. Then I forgot about it! But even before I came here last year, Taťána gave me some good and helpful advice. And I am proud of my country!

What are your ambitions apart from this win?

I am studying in two universities, one for Business Administration and one for Law. I think I will go in these directions. I love Business and also Law, which I think is an important thing to know. My mom is a lawyer. I also have my own Foundation and my own projects, so let me see how much time I can devote to each of them.

So if you break any laws while doing Business you will also be the lawyer to get you out!

(Laughs heartily)

Related posts:

Miss World 2025 set to take centerstage in Hyderabad “India, this one’s for you” : Harnaaz Sandhu crowned Miss Universe India LaRoda crowned Miss India America 2017 in Los Angeles