LONDON – A Pakistani-origin student from northern England became the firsthijab-wearing finalist of the Miss England beauty pageant inNottinghamshire.
Sara Iftekhar, who is studying law at Huddersfield University in WestYorkshire region of England, contested against 49 other hopefuls on Tuesdayfor the crown after she had won the Miss Huddersfield 2018 title in July.
After the event, she posted on her Instagram stories that she did not winthe final. She said, “My purpose was to just show that we are regular girlsas well. I think I showed that by reaching in the top 15 out of 22,000girls. That’s an achievement that I am proud of. I would like to thank youall for you support. Honestly, it’s been really nice and really doappreciate all the comments.”
The 20-year-old, who also works as a make-up artist, is popular on socialmedia and posts pictures of herself in traditional Pakistani outfits on herInstagram page.
Read Top Stories
“I did not expect to be making history. I do feel proud. At the end of theday, I may be the first woman to wear a hijab (at the Miss England final).However, I am just a regular girl and we all have a fair opportunity inthis contest,” Sara said, adding that she decided to take part in MissEngland for “a bit of fun”.
“If I want to cover myself up and dress modestly why should that be anissue? I am just like the other contestants. If I am sending out thatmessage it will motivate other people to participate in a beauty contest,”she said.
