Manu Francis and Prince Kurisinkal Noble did not begin sailing with Olympic dreams. As children in Kochi, the first cousins simply wanted to try something new around the water. Nearly two decades later, that childhood experiment has taken them to an Asian Games podium.
The Indian Army pair won silver in the men’s skiff 49er event at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, finishing the nine-race competition with 23 net points behind China’s Wen Zaiding and Liu Tian, who won gold with 16 points. Their result gave India its first sailing medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Games.
But the medal is about more than the result. It is the latest chapter in a partnership built on family, years of training and an understanding that began long before either sailor competed on the international stage.
Who Are Manu Francis and Prince Noble?
Francis, 31, and Noble, 30, are first cousins from Kerala. Their mothers are sisters, and the two grew up knowing each other closely.
Their connection became an unexpected advantage when they entered sailing. Unlike a newly formed crew that needs time to understand each other’s movements and communication, the cousins already had years of familiarity.
They eventually paired together in the 49er class in 2017, believing their physical attributes and existing coordination made them suited to the demanding two-person skiff event.
Their partnership has since developed under the Indian Army’s sailing system, with the duo training at the Army Yachting Node in Mumbai under coach Sandeep Jain.
The 49er requires both sailors to work almost as one unit. Speed, balance, positioning and split-second communication can influence the outcome of a race, making coordination between crew members crucial.
How Did India Win Sailing Silver?
Francis and Noble finished the Asian Games competition with 23 net points, second only to China’s 16.
Their campaign included a victory in Race 3 and second-place finishes in Races 1, 5 and 9. Their final race was especially important because they entered the decider needing a strong performance to secure their position on the podium.
The pair delivered with a second-place finish in Race 9, securing silver.
Sailing uses a low-point scoring system, meaning lower scores are better. A first-place finish earns one point, second earns two, and subsequent positions receive progressively higher scores. A discard can also remove a crew’s worst result from the final calculation.
For Francis and Noble, the discarded result helped produce their final net total of 23 points.
China’s Wen Zaiding and Liu Tian remained ahead after winning four races and finishing the regatta with 16 points.
Why the Asian Games Silver Matters
The medal is significant because it opened India’s sailing medal account at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
It was also India’s first silver in the men’s skiff at the Asian Games. India had previously won a bronze in the men’s 49er at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games through Varun Thakkar and KC Ganapathy.
The achievement also came during a strong period for the Indian pair.
Francis and Noble had previously won bronze at the Asian Sailing Championships in Abu Dhabi in 2022 and Thailand in 2023, establishing themselves as a competitive international 49er combination before arriving in Japan.
From Kochi to the Indian Army Sailing Team
Their journey began far away from the pressure of an Asian Games medal race.
Growing up around Kochi, the cousins were naturally familiar with the water. Their initial interest in sailing was largely recreational. What started as something to do together gradually became a serious sporting pursuit.
They trained at the National Sailing School in Bhopal before continuing their development in Kerala. Both eventually joined the Indian Army, allowing them to continue pursuing sailing while receiving a structured training environment.
Their coach Sandeep Jain has also highlighted the unusual advantage of their relationship. Because the two have known each other since childhood, communication between them comes naturally.
That familiarity becomes particularly useful during a fast-moving 49er race, where there is little time for lengthy instructions.
Prince Noble’s Medal Has a Personal Meaning
For Prince Noble, the silver carries an especially emotional connection to his family.
His father, a fisherman, died during the devastating 2018 Kerala floods while Noble was away competing in Germany. Noble has spoken about his mother becoming his main source of support after his father’s death.
The Asian Games medal therefore represents more than another entry on his sporting record. It is also a moment he has associated with fulfilling the ambitions his father had for him.
Francis has also spoken about the sacrifices made by their families. The sailors spend much of the year away from home because of training and international competition, sometimes returning to Kerala for only a short period.
Their mothers, however, continued to support the pair as their sailing careers developed.
What Is Next for Manu Francis and Prince Noble?
The silver has given the cousins a new target: the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Francis said the Asian Games result has increased their confidence after competing against strong sailors and Olympians. The pair now want to continue improving and attempt to qualify for LA 2028.
Their Asian Games medal does not itself guarantee Olympic qualification. Instead, it provides international experience and a significant competitive milestone as they continue through the qualification pathway.
For a pair whose sailing journey began simply because two cousins wanted some entertainment near the water, the next destination could be the Olympic stage.
Key Details of 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya
- Athletes: Manu Francis and Prince Kurisinkal Noble
- Sport: Sailing
- Event: Men’s Skiff 49er
- Asian Games: Aichi-Nagoya 2026
- Medal: Silver
- Final net score: 23 points
- Gold: China, 16 points
- Best race: Race 3, first place
- Final race: Second place
- Previous Asian Sailing Championship medals: Bronze in 2022 and 2023
- Next major ambition: Qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics
FAQ
Who won India’s sailing silver at the 2026 Asian Games?
Manu Francis and Prince Kurisinkal Noble won silver in the men’s skiff 49er event for India at the 2026 Asian Games.
What was India’s score in the men’s skiff?
Francis and Noble finished with 23 net points after nine races. China won gold with 16 points.
Are Manu Francis and Prince Noble cousins?
Yes. They are first cousins, with their mothers being sisters. They also grew up together in Kerala and later became sailing partners.
Which sailing event did they win silver in?
They won silver in the men’s skiff 49er event at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
Are Manu Francis and Prince Noble targeting the Olympics?
Yes. After their Asian Games performance, the pair said they were aiming to improve further and pursue qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Also Read: Who Has the Most Olympic Medals in 2026?
