Aichi-Nagoya, 01 October (H.S.): Indian sailors Manu Francis and Prince Kurisingal Noble won the silver medal in the men’s 49er skiff event at the 2026 Asian Games, securing India’s first sailing medal of the edition. China’s Wen Zhaoding and Liu Tan won the gold medal, while Hong Kong took bronze.

The Indian pair finished second with 23 net points after nine races. China topped the standings with 16 points, while Hong Kong finished third with 24 points.

India endured a difficult start on the final day of competition and slipped to fourth place after the eighth race. However, Manu and Prince produced a strong performance in the ninth and final race to climb back into second place overall and secure the silver medal. The Indian duo maintained a consistent performance throughout the competition and also won one of the races.

The medal reflects the pair’s sustained progress in the 49er class. In January 2026, Manu and Prince finished first in the second Asian Games selection trials conducted by the Yachting Association of India in Mumbai. They had earlier won bronze in the 49er class at the 2023 Asian Sailing Championships and the 2023 Yachting Association of India Senior National Sailing Championship. They also claimed bronze in the 49er/skiff class at an international sailing competition held in Abu Dhabi in 2022.

Prince Noble, from Kerala, competes alongside Manu Francis in the 49er class. Both began sailing at a young age and trained at the National Sailing School in Bhopal and the Muziris Yachting Club in Kerala. Prince initially competed in the Laser Radial class before moving into high-performance sailing disciplines such as the 49er. In 2017, the Yachting Association of India recognised him as one of the country’s most promising yachtsmen.

Prince and Manu represented India at the 2026 World 49er Championships in Quiberon, France, where they finished 65th. During their preparations for the Asian Games, they also received support for overseas training and international competitions under the Indian Sports Authority’s approved ACTC budget.

Manu Francis is also from Kerala and competes with Prince Noble in the 49er class. The two are relatives as well as childhood friends. After their initial training, both joined the Indian Army and continued developing their sailing skills through the Army Yachting Node. They subsequently established themselves in India’s competitive sailing system under the guidance of experienced coaches.

What is the 49er event?

The 49er is a two-person, high-performance skiff event known for its speed, agility and technical demands. It is part of the sailing programme for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The 49er is a two-person high-performance skiff racing boat. Its name is derived from its hull length of approximately 4.99 metres. Measuring about 16 feet in length, the boat is known for its lightweight construction, high speeds and the technical skill required to race it effectively.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar