Miss Universe Nepal 2026 Prayashna Gurung says she will represent Nepal at Miss Universe 2027 after a visa delay kept her from competing in Puerto Rico.
Prayashna Gurung to Represent Nepal at Miss Universe 2027
Despite efforts to secure her participation in Puerto Rico, Miss Universe Nepal 2026 titleholder Prayashna Gurung will miss the pageant’s 75th anniversary edition.
In an emotional announcement, she has confirmed that she will represent Nepal in 2027, gaining an additional year to prepare for the international stage.
Nepal’s participation in the 75th edition of Miss Universe will have to wait another year, as Prayashna Gurung has officially announced that she will not compete in the international pageant scheduled for November 24, 2026, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Sharing the news through her personal Facebook account, Gurung revealed that despite continuous efforts by the Miss Universe Organization and Miss Universe Nepal, her participation could not be secured.
Although reports have attributed her absence to visa-related complications, she has not disclosed the precise circumstances.
Expressing gratitude to both organisations and everyone involved, she acknowledged the disappointment of missing an opportunity she had eagerly anticipated.
However, she also confirmed that she will represent Nepal at Miss Universe 2027, turning the unexpected setback into an extended preparation opportunity.
Based in the United Kingdom, Prayashna Gurung supports entrepreneurship among Nepali women through her advocacy project, The Dignity.
From Bhairahawa to Miss Universe Nepal
Gurung was crowned Miss Universe Nepal 2026 at the grand finale held on September 27 at The Soaltee Kathmandu. Representing Bhairahawa, she emerged victorious among 106 contestants, earning the national title and the opportunity to represent Nepal internationally.
Organised by Global Glamour Venture Pvt. Ltd., the competition marked a notable milestone with Gurung becoming the first married woman to win the Miss Universe Nepal crown.
A Nepali based in the United Kingdom, she is also associated with women’s empowerment initiatives through her advocacy project, The Dignity.
Her marital status did not affect her eligibility, as the Miss Universe Organization opened the competition to married women and mothers beginning in 2023.
Prayashna Gurung represented her hometown of Bhairahawa when she won the Miss Universe Nepal crown in Kathmandu on September 27, 2026.
A missed 75th Anniversary, A New Beginning
The 2026 edition marks 75 years of Miss Universe, making Gurung’s absence particularly disappointing for Nepal’s pageant fraternity. Her non-participation means the country will miss the opportunity to showcase its culture, heritage and advocacy initiatives at this milestone international gathering.
With her announcement, attention now shifts to Miss Universe 2027. For Gurung, the international debut has been postponed, not abandoned, as she looks forward to returning to the global stage with more preparation and renewed determination.
