First cousins Manu Francis and Prince Kurisinkal Noble won silver in the men’s skiff at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, according to a Hindustan Times report updated October 1, 2026. The report says the pair finished second behind China after nine races at Kaiyoh Yacht Harbor—an Asian Games medal for two sailors who first tried the sport for fun in Kochi.
Who are Manu Francis and Prince Noble?
Francis and Noble are first cousins from Kochi, Kerala; their mothers are sisters. The Hindustan Times report identifies them as 31 and 30, respectively, at the time of publication.
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They first tried sailing in late 2008. Francis recalled that they knew little about the sport and were looking for entertainment. “From there, we’re here now,” he said.
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How the cousins formed a 49er team
The two initially competed in different sailing classes. They paired up in the 49er in 2017, after deciding their combined weight suited the class. Francis also pointed to the advantage of growing up together: their familiarity helped them coordinate as a crew.
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The report describes both men as Army athletes who moved to Mumbai for training. Former sailor Sandeep Jain began coaching them at the Army Yachting Node in 2021. Their preparation included a three-month training block in Europe in 2026.
How India’s pair won Asian Games silver
The men’s skiff event comprised nine races at Kaiyoh Yacht Harbor. The report says conditions in Aichi shifted between rain, light and stronger winds, with typhoon threats adding to the challenge. Jain said, “The conditions were really challenging, and they handled it well.” He also noted the pressure of competing at their first Asian Games.
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Capt. Jitendra Dixit, joint secretary general of the Yachting Association of India, said the team had prepared for months, gained international experience and arrived in Japan almost two weeks before the Games. The report records two earlier bronze medals for Francis and Noble at the Asian Championships.
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What the medal means to the pair
For Noble, the medal carried a personal meaning. He connected it to his late father, a fisherman who died during the 2018 Kerala floods, and said his mother supported him after his father’s death.
Francis said the result gave them confidence: “This gives huge confidence.” The pair’s stated next goal is to improve and try to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
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- TAILORED FIT: Adjustable side belts and shoulder straps, with comfortable neoprene fabric, customize the fit to your individual needs. Sculpted soft foam design conforms to your body and keeps the vest in place when paddling
- UNRESTRICTED MOBILITY: Large armhole openings provide a full range of motion for all types of paddling. The open sides allow for increased air flow
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What is—and is not—confirmed about Olympic qualification
The Hindustan Times report says Francis and Noble aim to qualify for Los Angeles 2028. It does not establish that they have qualified. The reported Asian Games silver is a significant result, but it should not be confused with Olympic qualification.
Hindustan Times’ report, updated October 1, 2026, is the source for the event result and the biographical details above. It describes India’s first sailing medal at the Games; this account does not independently verify an official results sheet.
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