Thadoi Yumnam was crowned Miss Universe Manipur 2026 at the grand finale of the state pageant held at Chandrakriti Auditorium in Imphal on June 21, securing her place at the upcoming Miss Universe India 2026 competition scheduled for July. The event brought together 20 finalists from different parts of Manipur who competed in multiple rounds designed to assess confidence, leadership, social awareness and personal advocacy. Zeneva Laikhuram was declared the first runner-up, while Alish Maibam finished as the second runner-up. The pageant was organised under the direction of noted fashion designer and State Director Robert Naorem. This year’s event partnered with the Manipur AIDS Control Society and For Better Kangleipak to promote awareness initiatives focused on women’s empowerment, community engagement and social responsibility. Among those present at the event were Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and the First Lady, who attended in a private capacity. Miss Universe India 2025 Manika Vishwakarma was also present and served as a member of the judging panel.
Speaking after her victory, an emotional Thadoi described the moment as the fulfilment of a long-cherished dream.“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. Reflecting on her earlier setback, she added, “I failed last year, but still I never gave up, and my resilience has finally been proven. That’s why I’m here again.” Thadoi credited her success to the unwavering support of her family, teachers and friends, calling it a “collective support” that helped her achieve the title. She said she now looks forward to representing Manipur at the national stage and hopes to make the state proud. Beyond the competition, the pageant highlighted themes such as self-acceptance, inner beauty, confidence and personal growth. Contestants shared messages about overcoming fear, self-doubt and social pressures while promoting positive change in society.
Praising the participants, Vishwakarma said she was impressed by their confidence and maturity. “The way they speak, the way they express themselves” reflected their readiness to represent the state on larger platforms, she said. Referring to the challenges faced by Manipur in recent years, she noted that the finalists had the ability to share the state’s story with the rest of the country. “The state stands for unity, it stands for beauty and compassion, and this is exactly what these girls have presented on stage,” she added.
