Although Miss India Manika Vishwakarma did not secure the Miss Universe title, she is capturing hearts. Manika is receiving admiration and encouragement from fans and other beauty queens after reaching the top 30 in Miss Universe 2025, where she displayed her confidence and grace in a stylish white swimsuit.
What did Manika mention?
Just hours following the Miss Universe event in Thailand on November 21, where Fatima Bosch from Mexico was declared the winner, Manika shared some posts on Instagram Stories that praised her and conveyed her appreciation for the experience. In response to a post by Miss India Nandini Gupta, who represented India at Miss World 2025, Manika commented, 'Thank you. You are our pride. Rajasthani supremacy.'
In her initial post, Nandini, who is also from Rajasthan like Manika, expressed: 'Manika Vishwakarma, you have made us all proud! We witnessed your brilliance today and eagerly anticipate your future successes. No one can represent India as you have. Sending much love and hugs.'
The winner of Miss Universe 2025 and the list of the top 5 contestants
The Miss Universe 2025 pageant took place on November 21, 2025, at the Impact Challenger Hall in Nonthaburi, Thailand. Fatima Bosch from Mexico was awarded the title, marking a triumphant return for her country after Andrea Meza's victory in 2020, five years prior.
The remaining top five finalists, excluding Fatima, included Praveenar Singh from Thailand as the 1st runner-up, Stephany Abasali from Venezuela as the 2nd runner-up, Ahtisa Manalo from the Philippines as the 3rd runner-up, and Olivia Yacé from Côte d'Ivoire as the 4th runner-up.
Manika, who represented India, progressed to the top 30 but did not reach the top 12. In the Miss Universe 2025 costume round, she impressed with her national costume, a gold sculptural gown inspired by the origins of Buddhism in India. Click here to view her extravagant appearance. Manika also appeared stunning in a beautiful golden gown at the Miss Universe 2025 ceremony. Click here for a closer look. However, the pageant was not free from controversy.
Disputes surrounding Miss Universe 2025
This year's Miss Universe pageant was overshadowed by controversy. Allegations arose that one of the organizers from Thailand, Nawat Itsaragrisil, referred to Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, as a 'dumbhead,' prompting her and other Miss Universe 2025 contestants to leave an event. Additionally, two judges, Omar Harfouch and Claude Makélélé, resigned, expressing worries about the competition's integrity. Omar claimed there was preselection of the top 30 contestants and conflicts of interest.