JAIPUR: Anshika Choudhary, who was recently crowned Miss Universe Rajasthan 2026, says her focus has shifted to representing the state at the national Miss Universe India pageant. The 22-year-old from Sri Ganganagar set out her preparation plans and goals in remarks shared after the state-level result.

The interest in her ambition is partly regional. Rajasthan produced the reigning national winner, Manika Vishwakarma, who was crowned Miss Universe India 2025 in Jaipur and is, like Choudhary, from Sri Ganganagar. That recent record has drawn attention to the state's contestants, though no link between the two beyond a shared hometown has been established.

'A stepping stone, not a destination'

Choudhary described the state win as an opening rather than an endpoint. "Winning Miss Universe Rajasthan 2026 was a dream come true, but I see it as a stepping stone," she said in remarks following the result, adding that her focus was now on the national contest, where she intends to represent Rajasthan.

She was also named winner of the "Best in Personal Interview" subtitle at the state competition — a detail corroborated by her pageant-coaching firm, The Tiara, which lists her among the contestants it trained.

Preparing for the national stage

Choudhary said she is undergoing training in fitness, public speaking, grooming, and pageant skills ahead of the national event. "I am working hard every day to improve myself and prepare for every aspect of the competition," she said. She added that her aim was to "showcase the rich culture, traditions, and values of Rajasthan."

She framed pageantry as a platform beyond appearance, describing it as a way for women to present ideas, leadership, and a social vision. The account of "nearly five years" of preparation is drawn from her own statement and has not been independently verified.

Background and context

The Miss Universe India national pageant is run by the Glamanand Group, which crowned Vishwakarma in August 2025. State-level titles using the "Miss Universe Rajasthan" name have, in past years, been awarded by more than one organizer, and the organizing body for the 2026 state edition that Choudhary won was not specified in available material. Whether the title carries an automatic berth at the national contest is a claim attributed to Choudhary and could not be confirmed at the time of publication.

What's next

Choudhary said she remains committed to the national title. "I want to represent Rajasthan with pride and dignity," she said, describing the national crown as her goal.