Dressed in red, the contestants balanced with elan on their pretty peep-toes and high heeled pumps for the benefit of the shutterbugs. Hot beauty queens representing Asian and Eurasian countries such as Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bhutan, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Moldova, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tibet, Ukraine and Uzbekistan are in the city to compete in the final round of Manappuram Miss Asia pageant which will be held today at CIAL.
Each contestant has a story to tell, a dream to fulfill. Miss Bhutan Kuenga Lahden who just completed her graduation hopes to win the title for her people. “I am here to spread love and happiness,” she says. Although she dreams of becoming a Victoria Secrets model one day, she says, “As soon as I am back home I will get back to my social work with NGOs.” Speaking about what she has observed about Kerala, she says, “Life out there is very calm and it keeps on flowing but here people are busy working hard to achieve something. That is very inspiring.”
Standing tall at 187cm Yuliya Debova from Kazakhstan says, “I’ve been modeling for seven years and have been part of various other pageants and reality shows like ‘I’am Shopaholic’.” She pauses for a minute and giggles and adds in her stylish accent, “I love shopping.” Debova adds, “I was a national level volleyball player but had to leave due to injuries and I love acting as well.” Miss Sri Lanka Chamathkar Lakmini is the youngest contestant. When asked about the secret behind her well maintained body, she reveals, “I am a dance teacher back home. I dance a lot and I never diet because I need to keep myself healthy throughout my busy day.” The girls were soon rushed down for their customary photo shoot for the media. They posed, took selfies, helped each other with their trailing gowns and elaborate hair do’s.
This is the second edition of the Miss Asia pageant from Pegasus. Through the event’s proceeds, the organisers are also aiming at conducting heart surgeries for the deserving.
