Imphal, February 2: Babina Thokchom, a 25-year-old from Kakching district, has etched her name into Manipur's pageantry history by becoming the first-ever Miss Grand Manipur 2026. Her victory marks a significant milestone for the state as it launches its official chapter of the prestigious beauty pageant, paving the way for Manipur's representation at the national Miss Grand India competition.
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| Babina Thokchom (Image: instagram.com/babina__thokchom0505) |
Standing 5 feet 3 inches tall, Babina is a postgraduate in Anthropology and has already built an impressive profile in the world of pageantry. Before winning the Miss Grand Manipur crown, she earned recognition as Miss DM 2019 and secured the First Runner-Up position at Manfete Queen 2019, demonstrating her dedication and consistency in competitive pageants.
Babina's journey to success has been shaped not only by achievements but also by personal challenges. She has spoken openly about facing criticism and judgment during her childhood because of her skin colour and physical appearance. Those experiences, she said, affected her confidence and made her question her self-worth at times.
Rather than allowing those negative experiences to define her, Babina chose to transform them into motivation for personal growth. Through determination, self-belief, and perseverance, she gradually overcame self-doubt and developed the confidence to pursue her dreams. Her story has resonated with many young people, particularly women who have faced similar challenges relating to appearance and social acceptance.
Expressing her happiness after receiving the crown, Babina said she felt deeply honoured to represent Manipur and carry the hopes of the state on a larger platform. She described the title as not only a personal achievement but also a responsibility to inspire others by promoting confidence, resilience, and self-acceptance.
With her victory, Babina will now represent Manipur at the Miss Grand India competition, where contestants from across the country will compete for the national title and an opportunity to represent India at the international Miss Grand International pageant.
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She expressed her determination to make the most of the opportunity by representing Manipur with dignity, confidence, and pride. Babina also said she hopes to use the platform to share her personal journey and advocate for self-confidence, inclusivity, and empowerment, particularly among young women who may struggle with body image and societal expectations.
Her achievement has been widely appreciated by members of the pageant community, well-wishers, and supporters across Manipur, who described her victory as a proud moment for the state. Many believe her inspiring journey from overcoming personal insecurities to becoming the inaugural Miss Grand Manipur serves as a powerful reminder that resilience, determination, and self-belief can help individuals rise above adversity.
As the first titleholder of Miss Grand Manipur, Babina Thokchom now carries the responsibility of representing the state's talent, culture, and aspirations on the national stage while inspiring a new generation of young women to pursue their dreams with confidence and courage.
