By Rinelda Mouton
Miss Teen Namibia 2025 Chantel Boeren has raised Namibia’s flag on the international stage after securing first runner-up and the Top Model title at Miss Teen International 2026 in India.
The 17th edition of the pageant was held in Jaipur, India, on 31 August, with 31 contestants from around the world competing for the coveted crown.
Cuba’s Jhoanna Uranga was crowned Miss Teen International 2026, while Boeren emerged as first runner-up and also walked away with the Top Model title.
For Boeren, the achievement represents more than a personal victory, saying her younger self once believed that making history for Namibia on an international stage was an impossible dream.
“Yes, the younger Chantel thought this dream was impossible. Today, I know that nothing is impossible when we believe in ourselves and have a nation that believes in us,” she said.
Boeren said the experience had taught her to believe in herself, embrace opportunities and understand the power of pursuing one’s dreams.
She described representing Namibia in India as an experience she would carry with her for the rest of her life, saying the achievement had also changed how she viewed herself and her country.
“It has shown me not only how capable I am, but also just how capable and powerful our beautiful nation is when it comes to supporting and uplifting our queens,” Boeren said.
According to her, the support she received from Namibians throughout the competition reminded her that she was not competing as an individual.
“Every message, every vote, every prayer and every word of encouragement reminded me that I was never standing on that stage alone. I was standing there for Namibia,” she said.
She said the achievement should also serve as a reminder of what young Namibians can accomplish when they are given opportunities and supported in pursuing their ambitions.
For Boeren, the international recognition is therefore not simply about winning titles, but about carrying the hopes and pride of a nation beyond its borders.
“I may have stepped onto that stage as Chantel, but I left knowing that I carry something much bigger with me. The pride, love and strength of Namibia.”
