Hyderabad: In a stunning celebration of elegance, intellect, and purpose, Opal Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand was named the 72nd Miss World at a spectacular finale held at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, Telangana. The historic crowning moment saw Miss World 2024, Krystyna Pyszková from the Czech Republic, place the iconic blue crown on Opal’s head, marking Thailand’s inaugural triumph in the 72-year legacy of the global pageant.
The 22-year-old Phuket native, a Political Science student at Thammasat University and a fervent advocate for breast cancer awareness, won over judges and audiences with her grace and dedication to social causes. Her initiative, “Opal For Her,” inspired by her own experience with a benign breast lump at 16, highlighted her commitment to women’s health and empowerment.
During the final question round, responding to actor Sonu Sood on the theme of personal responsibility and storytelling, Opal said, “We must strive to be role models for those we cherish. Our actions, no matter where life takes us, should always resonate louder than words.”
The 72nd Miss World pageant, hosted in India for the second year running, united 108 contestants from around the world in a three-week journey celebrating culture, talent, and meaningful beauty. Co-hosted by former Miss World 2016 Stephanie Del Valle and Indian host Sachiin Kumbhar, the event sparkled with performances by Bollywood stars Jacqueline Fernandez and Ishaan Khatter, infusing the night with star-studded allure.
Following intense fast-track rounds—Head to Head, Top Model, Beauty with a Purpose, Talent, Sports, and Multimedia—the competition narrowed to 40 quarterfinalists, then to the Top 10 from four continental regions: Americas & Caribbean, Africa, Europe, and Asia & Oceania. The final four regional winners were Miss Martinique (Americas and Caribbean), Miss Ethiopia (Africa), Miss Poland (Europe), and Miss Thailand (Asia and Oceania). In the final standings, Ethiopia’s Hasset Dereje Admassu claimed first runner-up, Poland’s Maja Klajda took second runner-up, and Martinique’s Aurélie Joachim secured third runner-up.
India’s Nandini Gupta, who excelled in the Top Model fast-track, reached the Top 20 but did not advance to the Top 8. Nevertheless, her poise and elegance upheld India’s storied Miss World legacy, with past winners including Reita Faria (1966), Aishwarya Rai (1994), Diana Hayden (1997), Yukta Mookhey (1999), Priyanka Chopra (2000), and Manushi Chhillar (2017).
The evening doubled as a vibrant showcase of Telangana’s cultural richness, heritage, and growing global prominence. With over 7,000 attendees and millions watching live on SonyLiv and watchmissworld.com, Hyderabad radiated as a dynamic host city. The event also marked a milestone with philanthropist Sudha Reddy appointed as the first global ambassador of the Miss World Organization, celebrated for her contributions to education and women’s empowerment.
In her inaugural address as Miss World 2025, Opal shared her aspirations: “This victory is more than personal; it’s a dream for every young woman striving to be seen, heard, and impactful. I’m humbled to carry this legacy and work toward meaningful change.”
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, present at the event, praised the pageant as a reflection of the state’s rising stature. “Through TelanganaRising, we’ve opened our hearts to the world, sharing our culture, values, and hospitality. Every contestant departs as an ambassador of our spirit, echoing: Telangana, Zaroor Aana!”
The 72nd Miss World pageant underscored that beauty, when fused with compassion and purpose, can ignite global transformation. Heartfelt congratulations to Opal Suchata Chuangsri and all 108 contestants for their extraordinary journeys on this international stage.
