Bade to represent Philippines in Muay Thai at World Games

Leeana Bade, daughter of former pro basketball player Chris Bade, will represent the Philippines in Muay Thai in the The World Games in Birmingham, Alabama later this year.

Bade qualified as a wildcard in the women’s 63.5kg category, according to the Muaythai Association of the Philippines.

Bade is 6-0 in her amateur Muay Thai career and currently holds three amateur titles.

Recently, Bade won the West Coast Elite MMA 135 women’s title last February. 

Her father played for the Philippine national team and the defunct Shell Helix in the PBA. He also played in the Metropolitan Basketball Association with the Laguna Lakers.

The Bade patriarch expressed pride in seeing his daughter compete for the country. “We’re all excited for her World Games. Not in my wildest dreams [did I expect this]. I knew she’s special, she’s already sprinting at 1 year old,” Chris said.

Bade’s sister, Gabi, meanwhile, plays for the Gilas Pilipinas women’s team. She represented the Philippines in the Jones Cup in 2019.

Joining her is Phillip Delarmino, who qualified through the 2021 IFMA-World Championships. He will be competing in the 57kg category on the men’s side.

The World Games will happen in Alabama July 7.