1 hr ago

Nikita Porwal Reflects After Missing Miss World Crown

Nikita Porwal represented India at the 2026 Miss World pageant in Vietnam.

She did not win the crown and was eliminated in the Top 40.

Joheirry Mola Dominguez from the Dominican Republic won the competition.

After returning home, Nikita wrote that she needed time to understand everything she had experienced.

She thanked the people who supported her, including fans she had never met.

She said the pageant gave her new friends, memories and confidence.

Nikita also worked on a project supporting tribal communities with education, healthcare and clean water.

She shared Indian culture by performing as Goddess Meenakshi during a special pageant segment.

She said some victories remain in the heart even when they do not become a crown.

Key facts

Winner: Joheirry Mola Dominguez of the Dominican Republic
Runner-ups: Elisabeth Reynés of Spain was first runner-up; Taanusiya Chetty of Malaysia was second runner-up.
Porwal’s result: Eliminated in the Top 40 and did not advance to the Top 20
Pageant edition: The 75th-anniversary edition of Miss World, held in Vietnam
Social-impact initiative: Project MAATI focused on education, healthcare, nutrition, hygiene, clean water and livelihoods for tribal communities.
Cultural presentation: Porwal portrayed Goddess Meenakshi of Madurai during the Dances of the World segment.
Earlier career: She worked as a television anchor, actor and theatre performer, appearing in more than 60 plays.

indianexpress.com · 2 hrs ago