With just days to go for the commencement of the 72nd edition of the Miss World beauty pageant, Hyderabad has begun welcoming contestants from across the globe. The international event, to be held in Telangana for the first time, is set to begin with an opening ceremony on May 10 at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium.To accommodate the arrival of the international delegates, special arrangements have been made at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA). A senior airport official confirmed that a dedicated immigration channel has been set up for the contestants, along with a temporary exclusive lounge space, personalised assistance, and a dedicated porter service to ensure smooth transit for the participants and their teams.

Contestants land in Hyderabad

As of Monday (May 5, 2025) morning, several contestants have already landed in the city, including Miss Portugal Maria Amelia Baptista Antonio; Miss South Africa Zoalise van Rensburg; Miss Brazil Jessy Pedroso and Miss Canada Emma Morrison. Over the next two days, contestants from more than 120 countries are expected to arrive.

The event has generated excitement among Telangana’s sporting and cultural icons. Celebrated boxer and two-time world champion Nikhat Zareen called the pageant “not just a celebration of beauty, but a platform for empowerment, diversity, and global unity.” She added that it was an opportunity to showcase the State’s rich cultural heritage to the world.

Echoing similar sentiments, Olympic medallist P.V. Sindhu said, “This is a celebration like never before, spread across stunning destinations. A global stage where beauty meets culture and impact.”

The Miss World 2025 finale is scheduled to take place on May 31 at Hitex Exhibition Centre, with a series of events planned throughout the month, spotlighting both global talent and the State’s vibrant culture.