Nagma Shrestha: Nepal’s first Miss Universe?

Nagma Shrestha has been achieving a lot for Nepal. She placed in Top 8 of Miss Earth 2012 and thus became the first ever Nepalese beauty to place in an international pageant. Then she was 3rd runner-up in World Miss University 2016 in China. In the same year, she won a special award at Miss Eco Universe in Egypt. She is a Television Producer and Presenter, Model, Social activist and Entrepreneur. This year she became the first ever winner of Miss Universe Nepal and has made debut for Nepal at Miss Universe. The pageant is about to end and she has already won fans. Some pageant experts consider her a dark-horse. Can she win the first Miss Universe title for Nepal? Can she win the first placement for Nepal?

Miss Universe 2017: Vote for your favorite

Frankly the odds are not in her favor. Miss Universe is a competitive pageant and there are many prepared beauties. In the preliminary competition, she actually fell on the stage while leaving it after her swimsuit walk. The video of her fall became viral. There is a group which feels this will be noticed by judges and will work against her. Her gown in the evening gown round also received negative reactions. She is not there in most of the prediction lists. It is said that this year Miss Universe will follow regional format (limited number of semi-finalists from each region – Asia/Oceania/Africa, Europe, Americas/Carribean) and the competition in Nagma’s region is herculean. Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, India, Korea, Sri Lanka have sent strong contenders. Making it to the semi-finalists in this group will be a big challenge for Nagma.

However, there are some points in her favor too. Pageant expert Tom feels she can crack Top 5. Often debutante countries perform exceptionally well due to the beginner’s luck. Mpule Kwelagobe was the first ever Miss Universe Botswana and she won Miss Universe 1999. In Miss Universe 2002, Albania and China made debut and yet placed in the finals. In fact, China was 2nd runner-up. In 2008, Kosovo made debut and won a placement. Perhaps this can be Nepal’s year? Also, another point in favor of Nagma is her height. She is 183 cm and that really helps her candidature in the pageant. She was definitely noticed during the preliminary competition for her height. Also, the infamous fall can actually work in her favor, just like it did to Miss Universe Philippines 1999. Perhaps she should talk about it and declare how the trip won’t detour her from her path. Overall the strong profile can also help Nagma bag a placement.

Thus, there are reasons for Nepalese to stay hopeful. We do see her among the 20 strong contestants of the pageant and will not be surprised if she makes the first cut. Will she place high? Will she win? We will have to wait and see.

Image credits: Missosology