Bangkok, November 21: India’s hopes for a fourth Miss Universe crown were dashed on Thursday evening as Manika Vishwakarma failed to secure a spot in the Top 12 at the 74th Miss Universe competition held in Bangkok, Thailand.
The 22-year-old beauty queen from Rajasthan, who was crowned Miss Universe India 2025 in August this year, saw her campaign end after successfully advancing to the Top 30 earlier in the competition. While her placement marked a respectable showing on the global stage, it fell short of expectations for a nation with a storied Miss Universe history.
Performance Highlights
Manika demonstrated strong stage presence throughout the preliminary rounds, earning praise for her performances across multiple segments:
- Evening Gown Presentation: Showcased elegance and poise
- National Costume Round: Represented Indian cultural heritage with distinction
- Closed-Door Interview: Impressed judges with her communication and advocacy platform
Her advancement to the Top 30 reflected months of rigorous preparation and generated significant buzz on social media platforms, where supporters rallied behind the Rajasthan native.
Top 12 Semifinalists Revealed
The competition proved exceptionally competitive this year, with delegates from across the globe delivering powerful performances. The 12 countries advancing to the semifinals are:
Latin America & Caribbean: Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Guadeloupe, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela
Asia-Pacific: China, Philippines, Thailand
Other Regions: Malta, Côte d’Ivoire
Industry observers noted the particularly strong showing from Latin American contestants, a region that has historically dominated the Miss Universe stage.
India’s Miss Universe Legacy
While Manika’s elimination disappointed fans, India maintains a prestigious position in Miss Universe history with three titleholders:
- Sushmita Sen (1994) — India’s first Miss Universe winner
- Lara Dutta (2000) — Won the crown at the turn of the millennium
- Harnaaz Sandhu (2021) — Most recent Indian winner, bringing the crown home after a 21-year gap
Despite the setback, pageant enthusiasts and fans took to social media to appreciate Manika’s grace, confidence, and dignified representation of India on the international platform.
What’s Next?
The Miss Universe 2025 competition continues with the Top 12 semifinalists competing in subsequent rounds, including swimsuit, evening gown, and question-and-answer segments, before the new titleholder is crowned later this evening in Bangkok.
For India, the focus will now shift to selecting and preparing the next representative who will carry forward the nation’s proud Miss Universe tradition at the 2026 edition.
Also Read | Manika Vishwakarma Advances to Top 30 at Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand
