Hanhong Kangshou and Lanu Lemla were crowned Mr Chang 2026 and Miss Chang 2026, respectively, at a pageant at the Parade Ground in Tuensang Town on January 13.
Tuensang, January 14 (MExN): Hanhong Kangshou and Lanu Lemla were crowned Mr Chang 2026 and Miss Chang 2026, respectively, at a pageant held in Tuensang on January 13.
The event, organised as part of the Poanglüm Festival, took place at the Parade Ground in Tuensang Town.
Kangshou, Contestant No. 1 from Ngangpong Village, and Lemla, Contestant No. 11 from Noksen Village, triumphed in the competition themed “Lanshedbü Müttao”, which translates to “a youth who shines among his/her peers”.
During the final round, the top five female contestants were asked: “What according to you should be the role and responsibilities of our leaders in the recent context?”
In her winning response, Lemla stated that contemporary leaders must understand and respect others’ opinions, uphold unity, embrace cultural diversity and individuality, while remaining firm in their values.
The male finalists were asked: “Do you think leadership is about authority or responsibility? Explain with reference to our society.”
Kangshou emphasised that leadership is fundamentally about responsibility. He said leaders are chosen by the people and must fulfill expectations through responsibility, care, and service.
The special guest, Yingphe Konyak, President of the Eastern Nagaland Women Organisation, addressed the event. She stated the pageant was not merely about beauty but about “confidence, courage, and character,” serving as a platform to be seen and heard. She encouraged contestants to lead with integrity and use their voices for positive change.
In the Miss Chang category, Sangli Tola (Chingmei Village) was first runner-up and Tonchingyangmai (Saoshou Village) second runner-up. For Mr Chang, M. Ongmang Lakba (Litem Village) secured the first runner-up position and Topong Sangmei R. (Chingmelen Village) was second runner-up.
The celebration featured performances by local artists Benjongkhumla, Blackdiary (Changlim), Sangmaichila, Auching, and stand-up comedian B. Hongsa Yemjong.
Subtitle Awards
Male Category:
• Mr Congeniality: Contestant No. 4 – Pushing Choba
• Mr Talented: Contestant No. 8 – Yongkong Sangle
• Mr Photogenic: Contestant No. 2 – Matten Nongba
• Mr Best Physique: Contestant No. 6 – Aben Chuba Chang
Female Category:
• Miss Congeniality: Contestant No. 6 – Tonching Sangla
• Miss Photogenic: Contestant No. 7 – Nokisangla K
• Miss Talented: Contestant No. 3 – Welentola
• Miss Best Ramp Walk: Contestant No. 1 – Tonchingyangmai
