Mangaluru: Swathi Mangala, a resident of Jeppu Mangaluru, emerged as the winner of the prestigious 'Best Personality' title in the fourth season of the Mr & Mrs UAE International beauty pageant held in Dubai, UAE. Swathi has been residing in Dubai since 2012 and has actively participated in various activities in the city.

The Mr & Mrs UAE International 2023 event took place on May 7 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Canal View. The competition featured a total of 31 talented contestants who were divided into three different categories. The Gold category comprised 11 participants between the ages of 24 and 37, while the Platinum category consisted of 10 participants aged between 38 and 50.

Additionally, there were 10 male participants competing for the Mr UAE International title.

Prior to the finale, the contestants underwent three days of intensive training at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Canal View. On the day of the event, the morning session showcased the contestants' talents, during which Swathi Mangala mesmerized the audience with her exceptional yoga skills. Being a dedicated practitioner since 2006, she effortlessly demonstrated her expertise on stage.

Later in the evening, the participants participated in the ramp walk and questionnaire rounds, which included various segments like the ethnic round, coordination set round, western wear round, and gown round.

Swathi Mangala, competing in the Gold category, triumphed as the winner of the 'Mrs Best Personality' title. She was bestowed with a sash, certificate, and an exclusive gift hamper from the renowned Turkish brand, Flormar, as recognition for her remarkable achievement.

The Mrs UAE International beauty pageant is an esteemed event organized under the patronage of the UAE government. The pageant is presented by being muskaan, a foundation founded by Mrs. Meena Asrani in 2019 with the aim of empowering women. This particular beauty pageant focuses on encouraging married, separated, and divorced women to step out of their comfort zones and exhibit their beauty, talent, and confidence on an international platform.

Expressing her joy, Swathi Mangala stated that her journey from being a finalist to securing the title of 'Mrs Best Personality' in the Mr and Mrs UAE International 2023 beauty pageant was an incredible experience and a cherished memory that she would forever hold dear.

Swathi Mangala holds an MSc in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from SDM College, Ujire. In Dubai, she is employed by a property development company. She is a devoted mother of two children, while her husband works for ENBD Bank.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



Melbourne (PTI): Former Australian hockey player Michael Nobbs, who coached the Indian men's team at the 2012 London Olympics, has died after a prolonged illness.

He was 72 years old and is survived by his wife Lee Capes, a former Australian women's international and daughter Kaitlin, who is a current Hockeyroos star.

"Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, former teammates, players and all those whose lives and careers were shaped by his contribution to hockey. He will be remembered as a proud Kookaburra, a respected professional, and a servant of the sport," Hockey Australia said in a statement.

Nobbs represented Australia as a defender, playing across the half-back line and at fullback, and was renowned for his reliability, fitness and professionalism. He earned 76 international caps for Australia between 1979 and 1985, scoring one goal, and was a member of one of the strongest eras in Australian men’s hockey, said Hockey Australia on its website in its tribute.

Nobbs was an integral part of the Australian teams that competed at the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

While part of a generation widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest, he consistently held his place through hard work, discipline and trust earned from teammates and coaches, Hockey Australia wrote.

Nobbs took over the coaching of the Indian men's team in 2011 after it had failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008. While India were brilliant in the qualifiers, the team finished last at the London extravaganza which also expedited the Australian coach's sacking.

Apart from India, Nobbs also coached Japan.