Dream came true for the Indian duo from the Indian Army- Prince Noble and Manu Francis, hailing from Kerala and the sailing club co-started by me (also its Commodore), have won the Silver Medal at the Asian Games this morning.

Having spotted them when they were just young children, who participated as part of our club in 2008 National Optimist Championship held at Cherai, Kochi it has been a long, gruelling and tough journey for them and very rewarding too.

I wish them all the success in future and a spot at the next Olympics as part of the Indian Contingent, a promise I had made to the then CM of Kerala, Mr Chandy in 2005, to get International Medal winners from the State, while posted at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi.

A whatsApp call from Prince & Manu after they won the medal in Japan was such a heart warming experience.

Thanks specially to Mr Suresh Pillai, Lt Col Raju George, coach Madhu of early years, Lt Gen Harpal Singh(Retd) IOA, the Indian Army, Corps of Engineers, YAI and the Army Yachting Node, Mumbai.

Jai Hind
😊🙏😊