Manu Francis, Prince Noble Earn India’s First Asian Games Skiff Silver

In Hangzhou, the men’s skiff event at the Asian Games delivered India’s inaugural silver medal in this class. Sailors Manu Francis, 31, and Prince Kuriscinikal Noble, 30, posted a net score of 23 after nine races, finishing behind the Chinese champions who posted 16 points. The Indian duo’s consistency—winning race three and securing second place in races one, five and nine—proved decisive. Their performance marks the 24th sailing medal for India at the Asian Games and highlights the athletes’ long‑term partnership, which began in childhood and was honed at the National Sailing School in Bhopal and the Muziris Yachting Club in Kerala.