Hyderabad/New Delhi, 31 May (H.S.): Miss Thailand Opal Suchata Chuangsri was crowned Miss World 2025 during the 72nd Miss World pageant at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, Telangana. The event, hosted by former Miss World Stephanie Del Valle and television personality Sachiin Kumbhar, featured 108 contestants and concluded weeks of cultural exchange and competition. The selection process involved various fast-track events, including Head to Head Challenge, Top Model, Beauty with a Purpose, Talent, Sports, and Multimedia, culminating in quarterfinalists, continental selections, a Top 5, and the Top 2 finalists before the winner was announced.

The grand finale highlighted both glamour and intellectual engagement, with contestants answering challenging questions from a panel of judges. For instance, Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar asked Miss Martinique Aurélie Joachim about how leaders can uphold truth amidst misinformation, to which Joachim stressed the importance of verifying information. Actor Rana Daggubati engaged Miss Ethiopia Hasset Dereje Admassu on changing perceptions of beauty pageants. She articulated that the essence of Miss World lies beyond beauty, emphasizing purpose, especially as the first Ethiopian finalist.

Miss Poland Maja Klajda shared her experiences in Telangana when responding to a question from actor Namrata Shirodkar. She expressed that overcoming her shyness was her greatest achievement and appreciated Telangana’s warmth, likening it to a second family. Her most memorable experiences included witnessing compassion during visits to a medical tourism facility.

Actor Sonu Sood questioned about the lessons learned by Miss Thailand throughout her journey concerning storytelling and personal responsibility. Opal remarked on the importance of being role models, affirming that actions should communicate more profoundly than words. This multifaceted event encapsulated not only beauty but also global perspectives and personal growth among contestants.

During a rapid 45-second round, contestants from each continental group vied for the Miss World crown, leading to the selection of Miss Martinique (Americas and Caribbean), Miss Ethiopia (Africa), Miss Poland (Europe), and Miss Thailand (Asia and Oceania) as winners. The top ten contestants emerged from regional groups, featuring representatives such as India and Indonesia from Asia and Oceania, Nigeria and Namibia from Africa, Ireland and Italy from Europe, and Argentina and the United States from the Americas and Caribbean.

Miss Indonesia, Monica Kezia Sembiring, distinguished herself in the “Beauty with a Purpose” segment by promoting her initiative, Pipeline for Lifeline, which addresses clean water and sanitation access in underserved communities. Tensions heightened as each region announced their Top 2 finalists: Brazil and Martinique for the Americas and Caribbean; Ethiopia and Namibia from Africa; Poland and Ukraine for Europe; and the Philippines and Thailand from Asia and Oceania, with India being eliminated during this phase.

The event featured dynamic performances, including a Bollywood dance by Jacqueline Fernandez and Ishaan Khatter. Actor Sonu Sood received the Miss World Humanitarian Award from Rana Daggubati, both serving as judges alongside Sudha Reddy, Dr. Caryna Turrell (Miss England 2014), and Julia Morley, Chairperson and CEO of Miss World Organisation, who disclosed the final results.

This month-long event in Telangana included historical tours, cultural displays, and advocacy and empowerment initiatives. The 72nd edition of Miss World marked a significant return to India for the event following the 71st edition in Mumbai that crowned Krystyna Pyszkova from the Czech Republic. The entire event highlighted the intersection of beauty and social responsibility, showcasing various cultural heritages and the commitment of contestants to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar