ITANAGAR, Jul 27: In a momentous moment for Longding district, Ngunhai Wangsu has become Miss TCL 2026 after overcoming her peers in close contest at the grand finale of the fourth edition of the beauty pageant held at Kharsang in Changlang district, sources said.
According to organizers, Chathiam Agi of Tirap district was declared the first runner-up, while Kitdam Kitnal secured the second runner-up title after a keen contest featuring participants from across the Tirap-Changlang-Longding (TCL) region.
In all, 15 finalists competed for the coveted crown, displaying confidence, talent and cultural grace through traditional wear, casual wear and evening gown rounds. The contestants were also assessed through a question-and-answer session and a written test designed to evaluate their communication skills, awareness and overall personality.
Over the years, the beauty pageant has emerged as a prominent platform for young women from the TCL region to celebrate their cultural identity while promoting leadership, confidence and self-expression.
Attending the grand finale, Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao and Nampong MLA Laisam Simai highlighted the importance of preserving the region’s rich cultural heritage while encouraging platforms that nurture the talents and aspirations of young people.
They said such initiatives not only infuse pride in indigenous traditions but also empower youth by providing opportunities to develop confidence, personality and leadership skills, enabling them to represent the region on larger platforms.
Event managing director K P Khusia said the pageant has evolved into much more than a beauty competition, serving as a cultural platform that encourages a wide range of artistic talent.
“This is not just a beauty pageant. It is a platform that also gives singers, dancers and other artistes an opportunity to showcase their talent before a wider audience,” Khusia said.
He added that the organizers remain committed to making the event more inclusive every year by promoting culture, creativity and youth empowerment while providing aspiring talents from the TCL region with greater exposure.