The short version
- El Nuevo Día reported that Miss Nepal Prayashna Gurung will not participate in Miss Universe 2026 due to visa approval problems and additional requirements that could not be completed in time
- Gurung stated she will represent Nepal at Miss Universe 2027 and asked for one year to return stronger and better prepared
- La Nación reported that Miss Bulgaria Ana-Maria Babau withdrew after a serious car accident left her unable to compete
- The Bulgarian organization said her health and recovery are the priority and asked for privacy during this time
Withdrawals from the pageant
Prayashna Gurung, Nepal's representative for Miss Universe 2026, announced she will not participate in the competition being held in Puerto Rico. El Nuevo Día reported that Gurung cited difficulties with her visa process and other requirements that prevented her from traveling in time. El Nuevo Día reported
In an Instagram message, Gurung said she and her team had hoped until the last moment that the situation could be resolved. She added that her absence this year does not end her goal. She plans to represent Nepal at Miss Universe 2027. "Nepal, give me this year. I will return stronger, better prepared and ready to fight for that crown," she wrote, according to El Nuevo Día. The outlet reported that Gurung presented this as allowing the next representative a full year to prepare instead of one month.
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What the sources posted
Posts and statements below are the sources' own words, quoted as published. They are not independently verified.
This is one of the hardest videos I have had to make...My visa has not been approved and I have requirements that I must fulfill.
The source's own statement, as quoted by El Nuevo Día. Not verified by PuertoRico.com.
Tras meses de dedicada e inspiradora preparación... Debido a un accidente automovilístico, nuestra radiante Miss Universe Bulgaria, Ana-Maria, no se encuentra actualmente en una condición física que le permita participar
Our translation: After months of dedicated and inspiring preparation... Due to a car accident, our radiant Miss Universe Bulgaria, Ana-Maria, is not currently in a physical condition that allows her to participate
The source's own statement, as quoted by La Nación. Not verified by PuertoRico.com.
Bulgaria's withdrawal after accident
Separately, Bulgaria's representative Ana-Maria Babau will also not compete. La Nación reported that the Bulgarian delegation confirmed her withdrawal after she suffered a serious car accident that caused injuries incompatible with participation in the finals. The organization stated that her physical condition does not allow her to join the concentration in Puerto Rico. La Nación reported
The Bulgarian franchise emphasized that the priority is Babau's medical and emotional well-being. "For us, the health, safety and total recovery of our queens are above any title, crown or contest," the directors said in an official statement. They also requested respect for her privacy from media and followers during her recovery.
Where the sources differ
Both sources agree that their respective candidates will not participate in Miss Universe 2026 in Puerto Rico. El Nuevo Día reports that Prayashna Gurung's withdrawal is due to visa and documentation issues and notes it is one of several absences including Miss Bulgaria and Miss Austria. La Nación reports that Ana-Maria Babau's withdrawal follows a serious car accident and includes details on the Bulgarian organization's response and a separate accident involving the Dominican representative. The sources do not conflict on core facts but cover different candidates and reasons.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not state whether Nepal or Bulgaria will send replacement delegates. They do not provide details on the exact timeline of Gurung's visa process, the severity or type of Babau's injuries, the date of her accident, or any official response from the Miss Universe Organization to the withdrawals. The final night of the pageant is mentioned only in the Nepal report as Nov. 24.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Reporting Miss Nepal queda fuera del Miss Universe en Puerto Rico
- Reporting Miss Bulgaria queda fuera de Miss Universe: ¿A qué se debe?
How we checked this
El Nuevo Día reported on Miss Nepal's withdrawal and her stated plans for 2027. La Nación reported on Miss Bulgaria's withdrawal due to an accident and the organization's statement prioritizing her recovery. The information on each candidate rests on the respective single source.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.
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