Thadoi Yumnam was crowned Miss Universe Manipur 2026 during the grand finale of the state pageant held at Chandrakriti Auditorium in Imphal on June 21, earning the opportunity to represent Manipur at the Miss Universe India 2026 competition scheduled for July.
The contest featured 20 finalists from different parts of the state, who participated in multiple rounds designed to assess confidence, leadership abilities, social awareness and personal advocacy. Zeneva Laikhuram finished as the first runner-up, while Alish Maibam secured the second runner-up position.
The pageant was organised under the leadership of fashion designer and State Director Robert Naorem in collaboration with the Manipur AIDS Control Society and For Better Kangleipak. The event incorporated awareness and community outreach initiatives focused on women’s empowerment and social responsibility.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and the First Lady attended the programme in a private capacity. Miss Universe India 2025 Manika Vishwakarma was among the members of the judging panel.
Speaking after being crowned, Thadoi expressed her joy and described the achievement as the fulfilment of a long-cherished dream. She recalled her unsuccessful attempt in the previous edition and said perseverance had helped her return stronger.
“I feel really ecstatic right now. I cannot believe that I really won. It’s a dream that I’ve been dreaming of since last year,” she said, adding that she had remained determined despite not succeeding in the competition the previous year.
Thadoi credited her success to the encouragement and support she received from her family, teachers and friends. She described the victory as the result of a collective effort and said she hopes to represent Manipur proudly at the national level.
Beyond the competition itself, the pageant highlighted themes of self-confidence, self-acceptance and inner beauty. Contestants shared messages about overcoming fear, self-doubt and social pressures while embracing personal growth.
Vishwakarma commended the participants for their confidence and clarity of expression, noting that the finalists demonstrated maturity and a strong sense of purpose. Referring to the challenges faced by Manipur in recent years, she said the contestants had the ability to present the state’s story to a wider audience.
She added that the state’s titleholders have consistently projected values of unity, compassion and beauty, qualities that were reflected in the performances and presentations throughout the competition.
With the state title now in hand, Thadoi Yumnam will carry Manipur’s aspirations to the Miss Universe India 2026 stage, where she will compete for a place at the national and international levels.
