19-year-old Ritsala Thonger crowned Miss Kohima 2025

19-year-old Ritsala Thonger, Contestant No.16 was crowned Miss Kohima 2025 at the Regional Centre of Excellence for Music & Performing Arts (RCEMPA) Jotsoma on October 14. 19-year-old Neilanuo Sachü, Contestant No.2 and 19-year-old Kechangunuo Kelio, Contestant No.9 were adjudged first runner-up and second runner-up respectively.

19-year-old Ritsala Thonger, Contestant No.16, who aspires to be a social worker was crowned Miss Kohima 2025 at a glittering event held under the theme “Beauty. Health. Beyond” at the Regional Centre of Excellence for Music & Performing Arts (RCEMPA) Jotsoma on October 14.

19-year-old Neilanuo Sachü, Contestant No.2 and 19-year-old Kechangunuo Kelio, Contestant No.9 were adjudged first runner-up and second runner-up respectively.

During the question and answer round, Ritsala Thonger said failure does not define one’s journey but rather strengthens it. When asked her thoughts on whether men or women sacrifice more, she maintained that women are the strongest in the world and sacrifice more by giving up their dreams and careers for their loved ones.

Neilanuo Sachü felt that the biggest challenges faced by young women today is “women safety” while pointing out that this should not only be a privilege but a right. “Safety is not just physical safety but mental, emotional and digital safety”, she noted. She further maintained that what makes a woman powerful in today’s world is “her voice, and the courage to use her voice.”

Kechangunuo Kelio, who described herself as compassionate , resilient and curious in three words cited “character” as an important aspect of a true beauty pageant title holder.

Earlier, in her welcome note, Pelevinuo Rüpreo Co-founder of 4Front Event Management, noted that Miss Kohima is not just a beauty pageant but also about learning and advocacy. Dwelling on the theme, “Beauty. Health. Beyond”, she also highlighted that “beauty shines brightest when rooted in good health.”

Speaking on behalf of Kohima Science College, Jotsoma, the institutional partner for Miss Kohima 2025, Wenitso Kapfo, remarked that the Miss Kohima Beauty Pageant is a prestigious event and platform that has produced proud ambassadors of the Naga culture. He expressed hope to strengthen the partnership in the future while stating that their values alignnand further emphasized on but building character through the platform so that young people can become catalyst of change in the society.

The panel of judges included Lipokzulu Lemtur, General Secretary of BASN (Beauty & Aesthetics Society of Nagaland) as Chief Judge, Neisavinuo Mor, School Administrator & Headmistress of Footprints Academy, Dimapur, Dr Keduovinuo Keditsu, Consultant Surgical Oncologist & Medical Director of Putuonuo Hospital, and Ketou-ü Pfüsenuo, Miss Kohima 2022, 2nd Runner up.

Theja Sekhose was the show director while Peweu Tunyi Khamo was the official groomer and choreographer. Official designers for evening wear included faculties of TS Academy of Design while the official makeup artist team comprised of graduates of Evara Studio by Elilo and official designers for designer round were TS Academy of Design Class of 2024. Special performances were also presented by Azeno Nakhro, Khunyu T, Himshanchuba, and Thanggoumang Lotjem.

It may be noted here that Miss Kohima is presented by 4Front Event Management with the support of BASN and powered by Putuonuo Hospital Kohima.

Subtitle Winners
  • Miss Multimedia: Kechangunuo Kelio, Contestant No. 9
  • Miss Talent: Kechangunuo Kelio, Contestant No.9
  • Miss Beautiful Smile: Methasunu Luho, Contestant No.7
  • Miss Perfect 10: Ritsala Thonger, Contestant No.16
  • Queen of Hearts: Neikecüno Vimero, Contestant No. 10 
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Britain’s Strongest Grandmother Breaks 4 World Records Just Months After Taking Up Powerlifting

Powerlifter Martine Barons competing in Squat at the European Championships – SWNS

‘Britain’s strongest grandmother’ has broken four world records just 18 months after taking up powerlifting “by accident”.

At the age of 65, Martine Barons has become a four-time champion after lifting for Great Britain at the World and European Championships.

The 5-foot 6-inch mother-of-three with four grandchildren started lifting weights for fun back in December 2023 but soon realized she had a natural gift.

She’s since been training five times a week for two hours a day—all while working full-time as an academic researcher at Warwick University.

“I was surprised to find a talent for powerlifting at the age of 63 after being poor at sports all my life.

“I get enormous pleasure from training and competing—and the health benefits of increased strength and mobility are astonishing.”

She first won the European Championships in Finland last June before successfully defending her title again this June in Poland.

Twelve weeks later, she continued her winning streak in the U.S. at the World Powerlifting championship in Idaho. She previously won the 2024 World Championships in Limerick, Ireland, so all together she’s won four major titles in her division since taking up the sport.

Powerlifter Martine Barons on winners platform at European Championships – SWNS

“It does make me happy and quite emotional to think about what I have managed to achieve. I never thought in the space of 18 months I could have achieved this.

“I have to pinch myself sometimes as I can’t believe it’s me. I’m still in shock, as it all started by chance, really.”

The married woman from Stratford-upon-Avon, in Warkshire, England told SWNS news agency it began as a fun gym session with a work colleague last April.

“I took up powerlifting by complete accident. I went to a gym with a friend of mine who is a physical training instructor and she showed me how to deadlift.

“She was impressed that I could pick up 60kg. Then I picked up 100kg a few weeks later.

“It must be good genetics. I’m unusually strong for my age and gender.”

SWNS

Martine added 10kg to the squat world record to lift 100kg (220 lbs) and 7.5kg to the deadlift world record by lifting 155kg (342 lbs).

She also bench pressed 57.5kg (127 lbs) and added 12.5 kg to the powerlifting total world record by lifting 312.5kg (689 lbs).

Her most recent success was becoming the 2025 world champion in powerlifting, deadlift, and bench press in the Masters 5, Raw, U90kg division.

“I’m a person who needs a goal, so when my friend said you should compete, it was ‘all hands on deck’.

“To be good at a sport for the first time is kind of nice,” she added. “I’ve found I’m good at something, so why not?”

Her next big competition is the British Single Lifts Championship at the Arnold Sports Festival at Birmingham’s NEC in March 2026.“I’m proud to be represent my country. It’s not something I thought I’d ever do!” Britain’s Strongest Grandmother Breaks 4 World Records Just Months After Taking Up Powerlifting
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