Miss India Nandini Gupta out of Miss World head-to-head challenge final

Hyderabad: In a surprising development at the ongoing 72nd Miss World Festival in Hyderabad, Miss India Nandini Gupta did not secure a place in the final round of the highly anticipated Head-to-Head Challenge—a segment that highlights contestants’ ability to advocate for social causes with clarity, conviction and purpose.

India’s absence from the Final 20

Despite a confident performance and a deeply personal advocacy presentation, Gupta was not included in the list of 20 finalists selected from among 107 contestants representing countries across the globe. The announcement marks a rare moment in recent Miss World history, as India has traditionally performed well in this challenge.

The finalists advancing to the concluding round include representatives from Spain, Wales, France, Germany, Ireland, Brazil, Suriname, Cayman Islands, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkiye, Lebanon, Japan, South Africa, Namibia, Somalia, Uganda and Zambia.

Notably, India was not among the five finalists chosen from the Asia & Oceania region, which saw selections from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkiye, Lebanon, and Japan.

Gupta’s advocacy: Inclusivity for the differently-abled

Hailing from Kota, Rajasthan, 20-year-old Nandini Gupta presented her advocacy centred on empowering differently-abled individuals in India. In her speech, she spoke passionately about the importance of creating inclusive spaces that enable individuals with disabilities to tell their own stories and live with dignity.

Her initiative focused on community-building, accessibility, and encouraging broader societal conversations around inclusion. Gupta’s message received support on social media for its authenticity and social relevance, though it ultimately did not translate into a top-20 placement.

Challenge recognises advocacy over aesthetics

The Head-to-Head Challenge is designed to shift the focus from appearance to intellect, purpose, and advocacy. Contestants are judged on their ability to speak on complex social issues and represent their cause with substance and sincerity.

What’s next for Miss India

While Gupta’s journey in this particular challenge ends here, she remains in the running for the Miss World crown and other competitive segments leading up to the final event scheduled for May 31 at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad.

Her performance and presence continue to draw attention from Indian audiences and supporters, who admire her poise and commitment to social impact. As the Miss World Festival progresses, all eyes will remain on how she navigates the next stages of the competition.