16 teams highlight Sinag Liga Asya 40-over field

Sinag Liga Asya officials with coaches of the Lakas ng Kwarenta tournament teams.

Armed with the success of their 2001 Cup, Sinag Liga Asya is set to commence with their Lakas Kwarenta competition this weekend.

SLA Chief Operating Officer Leo Isaac shares, "Matagal na naming naisip ito because alam namin na buhay pa rin ang pusong manlalaro ng mga dating manlalaro ng basketball despite na nagka-edad na sila."

He adds, "Nandoon pa rin iyong kagustuhan na makipag-compete at subukan pa rin ang kanilang galing at marami kaming mga kilala na dating players na hanggang ngayon ay patuloy pa rin na nagpapapawis, nag-eensayo."

Isaac notes, "Sinubukan lang namin muna ito na mag-imbita at nagulat kami sa response ng maraming mga kakilala na willing silang sumali. So, nabuo itong Sinag Lakas Kwarenta through the connections sa iba't ibang players."

Sixteen teams have committed to participate, with the field being split into two groups during the Sinag Saya event at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay on Tuesday.

Slotted into Group A are 521 Trading Inc, Malolos Republic, Tatakgel-Binan, San Pedro Mamba, J Project Clothing Shop, NBS, Pampanga and Cagayan Valley, while Cavite Don Pacundo Sea Lions, MC Sports Management, VPD Trading, Sta. Rosa Saints, Tito Rex X Firewire, Bayabas-Rennel Leap, GDL Construction and IGT Warriors comprise Group B.

As shared by Tournament Commissioner and former PBA star Rodney Santos, teams are permitted to enlist a former professional player, provided that individual has been retired competitively for at least five years.

Sinag Liga Asya Lakas Kwarenta is presented by Finn Cotton and supported by JProject Clothing Shop, Converge, SCD, Foton, and Sunsport.

Also gracing the Sinag Saya festivities are league chairman Rocky Chan, president and CEO Ray Alao, as well as league consultant Dennis Villa-Ignacio.

Players and coaches from member-schools of the Inter-scholastic Athletic Association (ISAA) were also present at the event. The league recently entered into a partnership with Sinag Liga Asya for the upcoming 15th season.