Hone young talent: Tendulkar

Kochi: Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar on Monday rued the absence of a system to identify and nurture talent early in India, saying they are spotted only in their later years, by which time it was too late for them to compete in international level.

"I feel in many countries, talents are identified at a young age. That is what we lack in India. When we identify talents, they are in teens. That is too late for competing in international matches," he said during a brief interaction with reporters here soon after launching ISL franchise Kerala Blasters' team anthem and jersey.

Sachin, co-owner of Kerala Basters football team, said they had signed local talent Dileep Menon, who would soon join the outfit.

"We will continue to support local talents," he said adding when he came to Kerala during April/may to announce the formation of the team, they had said local talent would be encouraged.

On the team's yellow jersey, he said it stands for determination and faith. The Blasters have succeeded in acquiring players within India and from all football playing countries, he said.

Tendulkar said they had various plans to spot and adopt talent at the grass root level which will be started soon.

"Soon plans will be executed to become a competitive side at the international level," he said.