Regardless of the shaky start Team Lakay had this year, there is no question about the impact the Baguio City-based squad continues to have in Philippine mixed martial arts.
While the team continues to be recognized in the country and abroad, head coach Mark Sangiao is far from satisfied.
“Looking back, I’m happy that we were able to make our impact and prove ourselves on the global stage through ONE Championship, but there are still so many things that we want to achieve,” Sangiao said shortly after his team was awarded the Sinag Tala award in the 5th Philippine Martial Arts Hall Of Fame.
For Sangiao, the continuity of the team’s legacy is hinged on two things — the development of young athletes and a solid training ground to produce such champions.
The first step is already taken. Team Lakay is set to send three young athletes to compete in Shooto in Japan.
If they perform well there, then it gives them a head start into getting signed by ONE, where the Baguio City martial arts collective has already produced five World Champions.
“We have three up-and-coming athletes, and it’s all their debuts as [far as] international mixed martial arts bouts,” the coach explained.
“I hope that we get a sweep and honor the Philippines again with a win, but to have three athletes invited to Shooto is already a major milestone for us.
“As a coach, I hope to produce more champions in the international mixed martial arts arena.”
Sangiao’s goals do not end there, however.
He shared his plans for erecting a permanent training center for those who want to grow under the tutelage of Team Lakay.
In previous interviews, the coach mentioned he is also open to having a Team Lakay satellite location — particularly in Manila, where their fanbase is growing exponentially.
For Sangiao, such plans might be grand, but it has always been his calling to nurture athletes and that is something he vows to get done.
“I am also hoping to have a permanent training center and facility for our athletes,” he explained.
“Providing enough training facilities will surely mean a lot in producing Class A athletes for global standards.”
