Silver Medal for Prince Noble: A Heartfelt Tribute to His Late Father
Indian sailor Prince Noble and Manu Francis win historic silver in men's skiff 49er at Asian Games, dedicating the feat to Noble's late father.
In a moment of profound emotional triumph, Indian sailor Prince Kurisinkal Noble has dedicated his historic Asian Games silver medal to his late father. Returning to New Delhi on Wednesday, Noble and his cousin and sailing partner, Manu Francis, celebrated a milestone achievement that marks India's first-ever Asian Games silver in the men's skiff 49er event.
The duo, who serve as Havildar and Naik in the Indian Army respectively, secured their position on the podium after a rigorous campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, finishing second only to a dominant Chinese team after nine intense races.
A Personal Victory Amidst Tragedy
For Prince Noble, the gleaming silver medal carries a weight far beyond the physical prize. The achievement serves as a poignant tribute to his father, Noble KG, who tragically lost his life during the devastating Kerala floods in 2018.
The memory of that loss remains vivid for the sailor. Prince was competing at a regatta in Germany when he received the devastating news that his father had been swept away by the floods. In the wake of that tragedy, his cousin Manu Francis stood by him, providing the emotional pillar needed to continue his sporting journey. Today, that shared journey has led them to the continental podium.
"There are a lot of people whose hard work is behind this, but I'd dedicate it to my father," Prince told reporters upon his arrival in the capital.
Mastering the Waves: The Road to Olympic Glory
The performance in the men's skiff 49er was a testament to the duo's rapid progression. While China took the gold and Hong Kong claimed the bronze, the Indian pair proved they could compete with the world's elite. They secured one race victory and finished the event with 23 points.
Manu Francis highlighted the significant strides they have made over the last year through international exposure. He noted that while they matched the pace of the highly skilled Chinese sailors, there is still technical work to be done.
Areas for Improvement
Despite the success, the sailors are already looking at how to refine their craft. Manu identified specific technical challenges that they aim to overcome before the next major international stage:
- Wind Conditions: While highly effective in windy conditions, the pair noted they fall slightly short when sailing in lighter winds.
- Consistency: Refining their tactical approach to maintain the lead throughout all nine races.
- Olympic Qualification: Using this momentum to secure a spot in the upcoming Olympic Games.
The Silent Language of Partners
Beyond technical skill, the success of the pair is rooted in a lifelong bond. Having grown up together and sailed together for years, their communication on the water has transcended the need for speech.
"We've been together since childhood, and we've been sailing together for a long time too," Prince explained. "I feel like I don't even need to talk sometimes. Manu understands exactly what I want. So, it feels really great to sail with him."
The Backbone of Success: The Indian Army
The duo credited their ability to compete at such a high level to the unwavering support of the Indian Army. Since joining the Madras Engineer Group (MEG) in 2014 and training at the Army Yachting Node since 2016, they have had access to world-class infrastructure.
Prince emphasized the immense cost and quality of the resources provided by the military. With a single boat costing approximately Rs 45 lakhs, the support from the Army—including access to nearly 30 pieces of brand-new, cutting-edge equipment—has been indispensable.
Their rigorous preparation involves a holistic approach, including:
- Sailing five days a week.
- Daily intensive physical workouts.
- Specialized guidance from sports scientists, psychologists, and nutritionists.
As the 30-year-old Prince Noble looks toward the future, his eyes are set on a lifelong ambition: converting the dream he first held as a schoolboy into Olympic reality.