IndiaPost.com - Beauties get set for Miss Asia 2007

India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES, CA: It is the beginning of a new year to win the crown as vibrant and beautiful contestants train to compete in the 19th Annual Miss Asia USA beauty pageant. From Russia to the United Arab Emirates, 29 delegates from all over the world are representing 23 beautiful countries of Asia. The launching of the delegates was held at the Hollywood Celebrity Center in Los Angeles.

The girls modeled their ethnic costumes, fur coats, and bathing suits. The launch was in support of CHF International and Cure Autism Now. The highlight of the afternoon was getting to know more about our girls representing the Sub-Continent. In this years competition we have three Miss Indias, one Miss Pakistan, and one Miss Sri Lanka.

Making it a grand total of five Asian beauties in the contest from our side. Starting off the charming and exotic ladies is Miss Shilpa Mamindi. Representing India as Miss India, Shilpa is 19-years-old and stands 5'8. Shilpa is currently in her second year at UC San Diego in clinical psychology. "I had a passion for acting and modeling, so I entered the world of pageantry.

Last year I won 1st runner up at the Miss Showbiz India competition. This year I am taking part in the Miss Asia USA 2007. I think I have the balance that makes a person eligible to represent their country. I can relate to everyone Indian or American born and I want the world to know that India isn't just about colorful costumes but about the love our country has," said Shilpa.

Davina Patel is next in line representing India. She is 20-years-old and stands as one of the tallest girls in the competition at a bold 5-feet 10-inches. The next delegate representing India is our very own Pooja Patel. The charismatic and intellectual 22-year-old stands 5'7.

She is a graduate from Cal Poly in international management, market management, and a minor in geography. Pooja currently works for the State California Department Center for International Trade "I am a government employee and a tom boy and if I can be in a pageant so can the rest of the girls that have confidence issues.

I think being in this pageant is great opportunity for me to network and promote our community and businesses. I have met some great people and made some great relationships that will last for ever. Aaina, fashion experts on Pioneer are kind enough to sponsor me a dress to display true Indian colors." said Pooja.

Taking a move around Asia, Aesha Khan is representing Pakistan as Miss Pakistan. Aesha is 21-years-old and stands as the second tallest girl in the competition at 5-feet 10-inches. Aesha is a graduate from Occidental College in Los Angeles.

She has a BA in economics and business management. Aesha is half Pakistani from her dad and half American from her mom. "I was recruited for Miss Asia USA 2007 at the Glendale Galleria. Pageants were something I always watched and saw, but I never thought I could be part of something like this. This is a completely new experience for me.

I am meeting new people from all walks of life and seeing different people from all over the world interacting in one pageant," said Aesha. Finishing off our fabulous five is Ruwani Horanage. Ruwani is 21-years-old and stands at 5-feet 4-inches.

Ruwani is currently Miss Sri Lanka USA and Kumari from Sri Lankian Beauty. "I am living in the moment of being 21 and trying out new things and meeting new people. It doesn't matter if I win or not but this experience is something I can tell my kids when I get older.

My message to anyone who has confidence issues or doesn't feel like they can make it into a pageant is believe in yourself. You have to think you're beautiful inside and out in order for others to think you are also," said Ruwani. The Miss Asia USA 2007 beauty competition will be held at the Alex Theatre in Glendale at the end of this month on June 30.