Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
At just 23, Zimbabwean beauty queen Courtney Jongwe represented the nation with elegance and determination at the recently concluded Miss World 2025 pageant held in Hyderabad, India.
Competing against 108 contestants from around the globe, Courtney secured a coveted spot in the Top 40. This achievement not only highlighted her poise and talent but also placed her 10th on the Miss World Africa leaderboard.
The glittering finale of the 72nd edition of the Miss World pageant took place at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, Telangana, marking India’s third time hosting the international event, after 1996 and 2024.
Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangsri walked away with the Miss World 2025 crown, also earning the title of Continental Queen for Asia. Ethiopia’s Hasset Dereje Admassu followed her as first runner-up and Continental Queen for Africa, Poland’s Maja Klajda as second runner-up and Europe’s queen, and Martinique’s Aurélie Joachim as third runner-up and Continental Queen for the Americas and Caribbean.
Throughout the month-long event, contestants participated in a series of fast-track challenges, including the Sports Challenge, Top Model, Head-to-Head, Talent Showcase, and the Multimedia Challenge.
Courtney impressed by making it into the Top 20 of the Multimedia Challenge and the Top 32 in Sports. She was also included in the Top 20 of Miss World 2025’s 3rd Hot Picks.
Reflecting on her journey, Courtney shared her gratitude: “My Miss World journey has been remarkably transformational, and I’m grateful to God Almighty for such a gift. I’ll forever choose to testify to His goodness.”
Beyond the competition, the delegates also toured India’s cultural landmarks such as the iconic Charminar, the Unesco-listed Ramappa Temple, and the renowned Pochampally weaving villages, known for their exquisite Ikat patterns.
