The HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad shimmered with global beauty and cultural pride on May 31, 2025, as 108 contestants from across the world competed for the coveted Miss World 2025 crown. In a night of high stakes and heartfelt purpose, Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangsri made history, becoming the first woman from her country to win the title, crowned by outgoing queen Krystyna Pyszková of the Czech Republic . But beyond the crowning moment, the finale was a dazzling tapestry of fashion, advocacy, and star power—including a show-stopping appearance by former Miss India Namrata Shirodkar and her radiant daughter, Sitara.
✨ The Pinnacle: Winners & Finalists
- Miss World 2025: Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangsri, a student of international relations and passionate advocate for breast cancer awareness, wowed judges with her eloquence. When asked about personal responsibility, she declared: “Our actions should always speak louder than words” .
- Runners-Up: Ethiopia’s Hasset Dereje Admassu (1st), Poland’s Maja Klajda (2nd), and Martinique’s Aurélie Joachim (3rd) .
- Top 8: Included Brazil’s Jéssica Pedroso, Namibia’s Selma Kamanya, the Philippines’ Krishnah Gravidez, and Ukraine’s Maria Melnychenko .
India’s hope, Nandini Gupta, exited at the Top 20 stage, despite earlier winning the Top Model Challenge for Asia-Oceania in a stunning showcase of Telangana’s Pochampally weaves and pearl-inspired designs . Her finale gown, “Ganga Rising,” paid tribute to India’s sacred river with translucent, wave-like fabrics .
👑 Judging Panel: A Blend of Beauty, Brains & Bollywood
The elite jury blended glamour and gravitas, featuring:
- Namrata Shirodkar (Miss India 1993): The actress and mom shone in a rare public appearance, radiating elegance beside her daughter Sitara. Her presence highlighted the pageant’s legacy of creating timeless icons .
- Sonu Sood: Honored with the Humanitarian Award for his philanthropic work .
- Manushi Chhillar (Miss World 2017), Rana Daggubati, philanthropist Sudha Reddy, and public health expert Dr. Carina Tyrrell (Miss England 2014) .
🌟 Star Moments: Fashion, Family & Advocacy
While contestants dazzled in cultural and contemporary wear, Namrata Shirodkar and Sitara stole focus off-stage. Namrata’s gold-embroidered sari and Sitara’s chic lehenga symbolized multi-generational grace, echoing the pageant’s theme of “Beauty With a Purpose” . Their appearance resonated with fans, showcasing how the Miss World stage celebrates family legacy alongside global sisterhood.
Other highlights included:
- Nandini Gupta’s energetic Giddha folk dance during the cultural segment .
- Indonesia’s Monica Kezia Sembiring winning Beauty With a Purpose for her clean-water initiative, Pipeline for Lifeline .
- Electrifying performances by Jacqueline Fernandez and Ishaan Khatter .
🌍 Purpose Over Pageantry: What Set 2025 Apart
This year emphasized social impact over superficial glamour. Finalists were grilled on global issues:
- Miss Martinique discussed combating misinformation: “Verify before you respond” .
- Miss Ethiopia championed changing beauty stereotypes: “Miss World is about purpose—it matters to mothers and children” .
Hyderabad’s month-long festival also spotlighted Telangana’s heritage through textile tours, medical tourism visits, and advocacy workshops, reinforcing the contest’s evolution into a platform for change .
❓FAQs: Quick Facts About Miss World 2025
Q: Who won Miss World 2025?
A: Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangsri, crowned on May 31 in Hyderabad, India .
Q: How did India’s Nandini Gupta perform?
A: She placed Top 20 and won the Top Model title for Asia-Oceania but exited before the Top 8 .
Q: Why was Sonu Sood honored at the event?
A: He received the Humanitarian Award for his charity work through the Sood Foundation .
Q: Who hosted the finale?
A: Miss World 2016 Stephanie Del Valle and Indian TV host Sachiin Kumbhar .
💎 The Takeaway: Legacy in Motion
Miss World 2025 wasn’t just a pageant—it was a global festival of empowerment. From Thailand’s groundbreaking win to Namrata Shirodkar’s timeless grace, the event proved beauty is a force that transcends crowns. As judge Manushi Chhillar poignantly noted: “These women are here to bring change” . For fans worldwide, the Hyderabad finale redefined what it means to wear the blue crown: purpose, poise, and the power to inspire.