19-year-old Ritsala Thonger, Contestant No.16 was crowned Miss Kohima 2025 at the Regional Centre of Excellence for Music & Performing Arts (RCEMPA) Jotsoma on October 14. 19-year-old Neilanuo Sachü, Contestant No.2 and 19-year-old Kechangunuo Kelio, Contestant No.9 were adjudged first runner-up and second runner-up respectively.
Morung Express News
Kohima | October 14
19-year-old Ritsala Thonger, Contestant No.16, who aspires to be a social worker was crowned Miss Kohima 2025 at a glittering event held under the theme “Beauty. Health. Beyond” at the Regional Centre of Excellence for Music & Performing Arts (RCEMPA) Jotsoma on October 14.
19-year-old Neilanuo Sachü, Contestant No.2 and 19-year-old Kechangunuo Kelio, Contestant No.9 were adjudged first runner-up and second runner-up respectively.
During the question and answer round, Ritsala Thonger said failure does not define one’s journey but rather strengthens it. When asked her thoughts on whether men or women sacrifice more, she maintained that women are the strongest in the world and sacrifice more by giving up their dreams and careers for their loved ones.
Neilanuo Sachü felt that the biggest challenges faced by young women today is “women safety” while pointing out that this should not only be a privilege but a right. “Safety is not just physical safety but mental, emotional and digital safety”, she noted. She further maintained that what makes a woman powerful in today’s world is “her voice, and the courage to use her voice.”
Kechangunuo Kelio, who described herself as compassionate , resilient and curious in three words cited “character” as an important aspect of a true beauty pageant title holder.
Earlier, in her welcome note, Pelevinuo Rüpreo Co-founder of 4Front Event Management, noted that Miss Kohima is not just a beauty pageant but also about learning and advocacy. Dwelling on the theme, “Beauty. Health. Beyond”, she also highlighted that “beauty shines brightest when rooted in good health.”
Speaking on behalf of Kohima Science College, Jotsoma, the institutional partner for Miss Kohima 2025, Wenitso Kapfo, remarked that the Miss Kohima Beauty Pageant is a prestigious event and platform that has produced proud ambassadors of the Naga culture. He expressed hope to strengthen the partnership in the future while stating that their values alignnand further emphasized on but building character through the platform so that young people can become catalyst of change in the society.
The panel of judges included Lipokzulu Lemtur, General Secretary of BASN (Beauty & Aesthetics Society of Nagaland) as Chief Judge, Neisavinuo Mor, School Administrator & Headmistress of Footprints Academy, Dimapur, Dr Keduovinuo Keditsu, Consultant Surgical Oncologist & Medical Director of Putuonuo Hospital, and Ketou-ü Pfüsenuo, Miss Kohima 2022, 2nd Runner up.
Theja Sekhose was the show director while Peweu Tunyi Khamo was the official groomer and choreographer. Official designers for evening wear included faculties of TS Academy of Design while the official makeup artist team comprised of graduates of Evara Studio by Elilo and official designers for designer round were TS Academy of Design Class of 2024. Special performances were also presented by Azeno Nakhro, Khunyu T, Himshanchuba, and Thanggoumang Lotjem.
It may be noted here that Miss Kohima is presented by 4Front Event Management with the support of BASN and powered by Putuonuo Hospital Kohima.
Subtitle Winners
Miss Multimedia: Kechangunuo Kelio, Contestant No. 9
Miss Talent: Kechangunuo Kelio, Contestant No.9
Miss Beautiful Smile: Methasunu Luho, Contestant No.7
Miss Perfect 10: Ritsala Thonger, Contestant No.16
Queen of Hearts: Neikecüno Vimero, Contestant No. 10
