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Investment strategist Deepmala Dhakal was crowned Miss Nepal World 2026, securing the country’s top beauty pageant title while fulfilling a family dream that began more than three decades ago.
The 24-year-old beat 23 other finalists at the grand finale held at The Plaza in Pulchowk, Lalitpur. Organized by The Hidden Treasure under the theme “Top of the World,” the pageant celebrated Nepal’s mountain heritage and aspirations on the global stage.
Outgoing Miss Nepal World Luna Luitel crowned Dhakal, who will now represent Nepal at the Miss World pageant later this year.
Dhakal’s victory carried a deep personal significance. Her mother, Roshani Kharel, was a contestant in the inaugural Miss Nepal pageant in 1994. In a remarkable coincidence, both mother and daughter competed wearing contestant number 17, 32 years apart.
“My mother has always been my biggest inspiration,” Dhakal said after receiving the crown. “This crown carries immense responsibility and bringing her long-cherished dream to life makes it all the more meaningful.”
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Dhakal holds a degree in economics and finance and works as an investment strategist at global asset management firm BlackRock. Beyond her professional career, she is a Taekwondo black belt, marathon runner and serves as the Second-Generation Coordinator of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA).
In addition to the Miss Nepal World crown, Dhakal won several special awards during the competition, including BYD Miss Green Visionary, Nepal Medicity Miss Health and Harmony, and Brij Cement Miss Confident.
Arya Nishaant was crowned Miss Nepal International 2026, while Kashis Subba won the Miss Nepal Cosmo 2026 title. Subba also received the Kajaria Miss Top Model award. Both winners will represent Nepal at their respective international beauty pageants.
The annual Miss Nepal pageant remains one of the country’s most prominent platforms for young women, with winners going on to represent Nepal at leading international competitions while promoting social causes, education and community engagement. This year’s edition combined cultural celebration with themes of leadership, sustainability and global representation, reflecting the evolving role of the pageant beyond beauty.
