At 40, former Miss Universe Canada crowned Miss Universe Persia 2025

Miss Universe Persia Sahar Biniaz | Photo from saharbiniaz/Instagram
Proving that age is no barrier when it comes to chasing dreams and breaking boundaries, former Miss Universe Canada 2012 gave the “universe” crown a second try, and she did it.
At 40, Sahar Biniaz is the official representative of Persia to the upcoming Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Thailand this November. Prior to having the right to represent the country, she took to social media to reflect on her unfinished journey.
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A naturalized Canadian citizen, Sahar first entered the Miss Universe Canada competition in 2003 and eventually won the national crown in 2012. However, a foot injury prevented her from gracing the Miss Universe stage that year.
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“Should I go for Miss Universe?” she asked her followers. “In 2012 I was selected to participate in Miss Universe but due to an injury, I lost my chance. Now after 15 years, I have the same opportunity, what do you think I should do?”
Her post quickly gained traction, with an outpouring of support. One follower encouraged, “What is the age restriction? If you are still young enough for the competition then YES! Go for it.”
Fellow beauty queen and Filipino Canadian actress Riza Santos echoed the sentiment, commenting, “Definitely!!! I’ll be cheering for you my gorgeous friend.”
Sahar’s story is one of resilience and rebirth. Born in Bangalore, India, to an Iranian family, the motivational speaker and actress was raised in Iran before eventually settling in Vancouver, Canada.
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Now, over a decade later, she is finally claiming her moment in the global spotlight, this time under the banner of Persia, a country making only its second-ever appearance at the Miss Universe pageant.
“It is an honor to be representing Persia at Miss Universe 2025,” Sahar expressed, capturing the emotion of a dream long deferred, but never forgotten.
Her crowning follows the historic debut of Persia in Miss Universe 2024, represented by Fay Asghari. With Sahar stepping in for 2025, the emerging Persian presence in pageantry gains not just elegance and beauty, but a powerful symbol of persistence.