109 contestants arrive in Hyderabad for Miss World 2025, set to compete for crown
Hyderabad: The 72nd edition of the Miss World competition officially began on May 8, 2025, with 109 contestants arriving in the city to compete for the prestigious title. The event, which will run until May 31, celebrates beauty, culture, and purpose under the theme “Beauty with a Purpose.”
Representing countries from every continent, the contestants bring a range of cultural identities and advocate for various social causes. Among the participants are Nandini Gupta from India, the host country; Athenna Crosby from the United States, a media personality and actress; Emma Morrison from Canada, an Indigenous rights advocate and artist; and Valeria Caññavo from Venezuela, a country with a long-standing legacy in pageants.
The contestants were welcomed with traditional hospitality at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport over the course of May 6-8. As the competition progresses, the delegates will take part in a series of cultural events that will highlight the heritage of Telangana, with the celebrations culminating in the Grand Finale at HITEX on May 31.
This marks the second consecutive year India is hosting the Miss World competition, a significant milestone in the pageant’s history. The Telangana government has made extensive preparations to ensure the event runs smoothly and that the region’s cultural offerings and hospitality are showcased on a global stage.
The opening ceremony, set for May 10 at Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, will feature a cultural presentation introducing the contestants. On May 22, the Talent Finale will take place at Shilpakala Vedika, where the contestants will showcase their talents in music, dance, and thec arts. The Head to Head Challenge Finale will be held at the Trident Hotel on May 23, focusing on the contestants’ intellect, confidence, and communication skills.
Additionally, the Miss World Top Model and Fashion Final will take place on May 23 and 24, with a special focus on a jewellery and pearl fashion show. The event will also include an exclusive interaction with Telangana’s top fashion designers. The “Beauty with a Purpose” presentations, which highlight the social initiatives led by the contestants, are scheduled for May 26 at HITEX.
India’s hosting of Miss World for two consecutive years is a first for any country outside the United Kingdom. India previously hosted the competition in 1996 in Bengaluru, and with the 2024 edition held in Mumbai, the country becomes the only one after the UK to host the event in back-to-back years.
India has produced six Miss World titleholders: Reita Faria (1966, Maharashtra), Aishwarya Rai (1994, Karnataka), Diana Hayden (1997, Telangana), Yukta Mookhey (1999, Maharashtra), Priyanka Chopra (2000, Jharkhand), and Manushi Chhillar (2017, Haryana).
This year, Nandini Gupta from Rajasthan is representing India at Miss World 2025, continuing the country’s tradition of combining beauty, intellect, and purpose on the global stage.
