Kaziah Liz Mejo sets sights on India's fourth Miss Universe crown

Kaziah Liz Mejo, who was crowned Miss Universe India 2026 last month, is preparing to represent the country at the global Miss Universe pageant, saying she hopes to bring a fourth crown home.

The 19-year-old, who is from Mavelikkara in Kerala's Alappuzha district, won the national title at a grand finale in Jaipur on August 23, emerging from a field of 51 contestants representing different parts of the country.

Speaking about her journey, Kaziah said she was grateful for the backing she has received from Kerala and from across India, describing the opportunity as both special and personal. She said she and her team were prepared to bring the Miss Universe crown back to India.

"I'm so grateful to India, to Keralam, and to my organisation, my supporters, and my trainers. This is so special to my heart. We are so prepared to bring the fourth crown of Miss Universe back to India. I am again so excited, and this is so personal, not just to me and not just to Kerala, but also for India," she said.

Kaziah also recalled meeting the Kerala Chief Minister after winning the Miss Universe Kerala title, before going on to compete at the national level. She said he had extended his support and good wishes at the time, expressing faith in her as she set out to represent the state.

A law student who is also involved in modelling, Kaziah previously represented India at Miss Teen International 2025, where she finished as first runner-up. She later won the Miss Universe Kerala title before taking the national crown.

After her Miss Universe India win, Kaziah said the title, claimed at the age of 19, had given her the chance to represent the country on a larger stage.