COMPETING in the Malaysian Hockey League (MHL) 2021 which opens on Thursday without imported players is a non-issue to the Terengganu Hockey Team (THT).

Terengganu Hockey Association (PHNT) acting president Mohd Fikri Harun said in fact, he considered it as the best opportunity for local players to prove their abilities.

"Indeed, it is an opportunity for local players to go all out. That is why we are calling back Terengganu players who previously played with TNB like Mohamad Akhimullah Anuar Esook and Syarman Mat Tee to be with us this season.

"It also opens up opportunities for young players to stand out. We will be fielding six Malaysia Games (Sukma) players and it is a big investment as we dare to bet on these young players," he told a press conference here today.

Mohd Fikri also said that the absence of imported players for this season due to the COVID-19 pandemic would also provide an equal opportunity for all teams to compete.

"Not only we are facing the issue of having no imported players, all teams are facing the same thing. So the strength of all the teams for this year is balanced," he said.

Meanwhile, Mohd Fikri announced that THT received a total sponsorship of about RM200,000 from various parties and companies to face the league competition this season.

-- BERNAMA