Miss Russia 'Not Russian Enough'

Miss Russia. Photo: Getty Images.

Miss Russia has become the target of racial abuse for her ethnicity.

18-year old Elmira Abdrazakova, the winner of the Miss Russia pageant, was born in Kazakhstan but grew up in Russia.

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“Her father is Tatar, a historically Muslim ethnic minority group that is one of the oldest in Russia,” added Sky News.

Abdrazakova has been the victim of racial abuse since being crowned, with commenters saying she “looks qualified to be Miss Kazakhstan or Miss Uzbekistan but not Miss Russia.”

"The nationality question, I don't really understand it," Abdrazakova told Sky News. "I don't understand why men would write to a young girl offensive things about her nationality."

However, the Miss Russia pageant is not the first to spark debate about national identity.

In 2012, Miss Fiji Torika Watters drew criticism for not looking "Fijian" enough due to her mixed Fijian/European heritage, reported the Telegraph UK.

A pageant spokesperson said it was sad to witness local reaction to Miss Fiji.

"Our forefathers promoted unity and respect and, sadly, in our society today this is not evident (among) many who call themselves proud Fijians."

While Miss Russia is aware of the current controversy, she's chosen to continue her duties with a smile.

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"For many teenage girls Miss Russia will become a role model, a measure of beauty," she said. "Maybe some girls will look at me and get inspired by my experience to grow, to develop, to work hard. I hope they can see that in life you can reach something without big money."

Abdrazakova will represent Russia at the 2013 Miss World pageant, which will take place on September 28 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Photo: Getty Images.

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