Imphal: Esme Singh Shaiza, Miss Friendship International Manipur 2025, and L Ronel Singh, administrative manager of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team—were accorded a hero’s welcome at Imphal International Airport in Manipur on Friday following their respective international achievements.
Esme Singh Shaiza, who also holds the title of Miss Shirui Lily 2025, brought laurels to the state by winning the Miss Talent subtitle at the prestigious Miss Friendship International 2025 pageant held in Chengdu, China. Representing India alongside contestants from Assam and Telangana, Shaiza showcased her skills and cultural heritage at the event held from October 15 to November 5, 2025.
Upon her return, Shaiza was warmly received by her family members, the Miss Shirui Lily organising committee, villagers from Shirui village, friends, and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate her remarkable achievement.
A native of Ukhrul district, Shaiza has also been appointed as the Global Ambassador for JEEHO Automobiles—an association symbolising global friendship, empowerment, and unity.
Reflecting on her journey, Shaiza described her participation in the international event as one of her most enriching experiences to date.
“China not only showed me its beauty but reflected all of us together—and that is the most beautiful part of the journey. I can’t wait to go back, explore more, and find new inspiration,” she said.
Expressing gratitude to her family, designers, and the Miss Shirui Lily team, Shaiza added,
“I am someone who struggled with self-confidence. But with that little push, I took it as a go-forward, and today I have reached this level. I want to tell the youth to believe in themselves and persevere.”
L Ronel Singh, administrative manager of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team, received a rousing welcome upon his return to Imphal following India’s historic victory at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.
Members of the Manipur Cricket Association (MNCA), along with Singh’s family, friends, and well-wishers, greeted him at the airport with cheers and garlands.
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Speaking to EastMojo, Singh said, “I feel truly special because I am coming back after quite some time—and that too with a trophy”. He expressed that besides cricket, he would also like to promote other sports as well in the state.
Earlier this week, the Indian women’s cricket team created history by clinching its first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup title—nearly five decades after playing its inaugural international match. The team secured a hard-fought victory against South Africa in the final, marking a landmark moment for women’s cricket in India.
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