Indian Sailors Prince and Manu Win Silver at Asian Games, Honoring Family Legacy

Indian sailors Prince Kurisinkal Noble and Manu Francis made history by winning a silver medal at the Asian Games, dedicating their achievement to Prince's late father. Their journey, marked by resilience and a strong partnership, showcases their dedication to the sport and their Olympic aspirations. With the support of the Indian Army and a commitment to improvement, they aim for future success on the international stage. This silver medal not only adds to India's sailing achievements but also symbolizes a shared dream that began in childhood. Read on to learn more about their inspiring story.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 8, 2026, 04:01 IST

A Silver Medal with Deep Significance

Indian sailor Prince Kurisinkal Noble, alongside his cousin and sailing partner Manu Francis, achieved a remarkable feat by winning a silver medal at the Asian Games. This victory holds profound personal significance for Prince, as he dedicated the medal to his father, who tragically passed away during the catastrophic Kerala floods in 2018. The duo, both serving in the Indian Army, returned to India on Wednesday after their impressive performance in the men's skiff 49er event, marking India's first-ever silver in this category at the Asian Games.

A Journey of Resilience

While competing in a sailing regatta in Germany, Prince received the heartbreaking news of his father's death. During this challenging time, Manu, his cousin and lifelong friend, provided unwavering support. Together, they have continued to excel in the 49er class, with their recent silver medal symbolizing a significant milestone in their journey. They secured one victory out of nine races, finishing with 23 points, just behind the Chinese team, while Hong Kong claimed the bronze.

Strengthening Their Performance

Manu expressed that their performance has improved significantly over the past year, allowing them to compete closely with top Chinese sailors. "We have made considerable strides since participating in international events, which motivated us to enhance our skills. Competing against the Chinese sailors was a valuable experience, and we are optimistic about qualifying for future competitions," he stated.

Despite their success, the pair acknowledges the need for further improvement, particularly in lighter wind conditions. Manu noted, "Our light wind sailing is decent, but we still need to enhance our performance in those conditions."

The Power of Partnership

The strong bond between Prince and Manu has been instrumental in their achievements. Having sailed together since childhood, Prince remarked on their seamless communication on the boat, saying, "We've been together since we were kids, and our understanding has grown to the point where we often don't need to speak. Manu knows exactly what I want, making it a pleasure to sail with him."

Support from the Indian Army

Both sailors joined the Madras Engineer Group (MEG) in 2014 and have been training at the Army Yachting Node since 2016. They credited the Indian Army for providing essential resources and support for their training. Prince explained, "The MEG has been incredibly supportive since we joined. They facilitated our training at the Army Yachting Node, which is the best sailing facility in India. The Army's backing has been crucial for our success."

He added, "The cost of one boat is around Rs 45 lakhs, and the Army has provided us with approximately 30 new pieces of equipment for this event. Their support is invaluable, and we train five days a week with a dedicated team of professionals, including a sports scientist, psychologist, and nutritionist."

Pursuing Olympic Aspirations

At 30 years old, Prince is determined to fulfill his childhood dream of competing in the Olympics. He shared, "Since I was a kid, I've aspired to win an Olympic gold medal. I vividly remember telling my teacher that I wanted to achieve this goal, and I'm still on that path. I believe I will one day bring home that gold medal."

Manu, now 31, is equally optimistic about their chances at the Olympics, stating, "If we maintain our current trajectory of improvement, winning an Olympic medal is within our reach."

Acknowledging Support

Manu dedicated their silver medal to all those who have supported their journey, including the Indian Army, the Yachting Association of India, the Sports Authority of India, and their families. He emphasized, "This achievement is not just ours; it reflects the collective effort of many individuals who have contributed to our success."

The silver medal adds to India's growing achievements in sailing at the Asian Games, marking the second medal in the men's 49er event, following the bronze won by Varun Thakkar and KC Ganapathy in Jakarta 2018. For Prince and Manu, this silver medal represents more than just an accolade; it signifies a pivotal moment in their lifelong journey towards Olympic glory.