Miss Universe 2025: Manika Vishwakarma falls short of top 12, but steals the spotlight

Bangkok: The grand finale of the 74th Miss Universe in Nonthaburi, Thailand, is over, but this year brought a bit of disappointment for India. The country's representative, Manika Vishwakarma, reached the top 30 but could not go further. Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Guadeloupe, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, China, the Philippines, Thailand, Malta, and Côte d'Ivoire made the final 12. The competition was tough, and the excitement was at its peak in every round.

Presented India strongly on the international stage

Manika performed well in the swimsuit and evening gown rounds. Seeing her walk, confidence, and stage presence, the audience had hopes that perhaps she would reach the next round. However, her journey came to an end just before reaching the top 12. Fans across the country regret this but are also proud that this daughter of Rajasthan returned after representing India so strongly on the international stage.

From Rajasthan to Thailand—how was Manika's journey? 

Manika Vishwakarma, hailing from Sriganganagar, Rajasthan, is a final-year student of political science and economics at Delhi University. Lectures and assignments during the day, and classical dance and painting in the evening—a study as well as a passion. After winning Miss Universe India 2025 in Jaipur on August 18, she boarded an international flight straight away. Coming out of the hot winds of Rajasthan, she reached the humid air of Thailand and came on the stage as if the place had been reserved in advance. Seeing the confidence with which she walked in the prelims round, even the judges wondered, “Is she coming for the first time, or is it just us who have a misunderstanding?”

The audience also felt as if she was strolling comfortably in the drawing room of her house and not on the ramp—so natural! She entered the international platform for the first time and directly made it to the top 30. People are commenting on social media: "The top 12 didn't come? No problem, dil to aate hi jeet liya." Some are even saying that Manika forced contestants from other countries to Google once, “Who is this Indian girl, brother?”

Who reached the top 12, and where did India lag behind?

This time the dominance of Latin America and Asia was clearly visible. Representatives from countries such as Chile, Venezuela, Colombia, and Mexico showed strong performances from the beginning. After Harnaaz Sandhu won the crown in 2021, India was expected to get the crown again, but this time the competition was much tougher. Even though Manika could not reach the top 12, her grace and clarity on stage impressed everyone.

Manika's specialty—why did people go crazy?

She beautifully presented the tradition and craft of Rajasthan in the National Apparel Round. Her clear thinking on social issues and her command of traditional dance caught the attention of the audience. Fans say that the ease and dignity with which Manika represented India is an inspiration for the new generation. India did not get the crown this time, but Manika proved that the real victory is not just in the crown but in the journey that shows your real personality to the world.