Imphal, June 8: Halley Laithangbam, 30, a well-known model from Manipur, will represent India in the Mr International 2015 competition to be held in Singapore in November this year.

Alempokba Imsong, India director of Mr International, a Singapore-based organisation, today said Laithangbam was chosen as Mr International India from 20 models.

Six-feet tall Laithangbam, from Haobam Marak in Imphal West, is a well-known face in India's fashion circuit. He participated in Gladrags Manhunt Contest in 2009 and won the second runners-up title in Mr Pune contest in 2010. "I hope I will bring laurels to the country in the Singapore contest," he said.

Imsong said the aim of Mr International India was to encourage youths to develop healthy bodies and live happy lives. "The Northeast has a concern over drug addiction and alcoholism. We want to keep the youths away from all this by attracting them into the fashion world," he added.

The winner of Mr International will get $10,000 cash and will be the "ambassador of fitness". He will visit more than 20 countries to spread the message of fitness for a year.

Imsong will meet chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh and others to seek help for Laithangbam's trip.