Crowned in culture

In an unforgettable evening that united the world in celebration of beauty, service and global sisterhood, Opal Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand was crowned the 72nd Miss World at the grand finale hosted at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad. The event was a milestone for Telangana as it was hosting the Miss World Festival for the first time and India for the third — following events in 1996 and 2024. Opal Suchata Chuangsri was crowned by her predecessor, Krystyna Pyszková of Czechia, the 71st Miss World, who passed on the title with grace. The coronation drew thunderous applause as the newly crowned Miss World 2025 stood radiant, embodying the core values of compassion, confidence and purpose. Co-hosted by Miss World 2016, Stephanie del Valle and Indian presenter Sachiin Kumbhar, the evening was a blend of glamour and emotion. Performances by Jacqueline Fernandez and Ishaan Khatter added an Indian flair. At the ceremony, Miss World Humanitarian Award was presented to Sonu Sood, honoured for his commitment to humanitarian work. Also present was philanthropist and entrepreneur Sudha Reddy, who was named Global Ambassador for Beauty With a Purpose. From an initial field of 108 contestants, 40 quarterfinalists were chosen. Ethiopia’s Hasset Dereje was crowned First Runner-Up, Poland’s Maja Klajda Second Runner-Up and the Third Runner-Up went to Aurelie Joachim of Martinique. Surreal outing After her win, Opal expressed a mix of joy and disbelief, calling the moment “surreal.” She was overwhelmed with emotion, especially because her country had waited over seven decades for this achievement. “I was very excited, especially when they were announcing all the girls and their placements, and when I was announced the winner, I still couldn’t believe it. It is such an honour to be able to bring back home the first crown. The moment I was crowned, all I thought about was the faces of my family, my people, my team and everyone. I cannot wait to really bring this crown back to Thailand…,” Speaking after she was crowned, Chuangsri said, “Now that I got the Miss World title with the Crown and the sash, I have a chance to make the purposes of other people come true and be impactful.” Chuangsri also said she will treasure her moments in India. “I was just talking to my friends that I don’t want to leave this place, because with where we’re staying, with the people, with the food and everything, we are so happy to be here. The new Miss World also shared that she was open to work in Bollywood if there is an opportunity.

Lifestyle