India, Oct. 1 -- Growing up in the port city of Kochi, being by the water was almost second nature for Manu Francis and Prince Kurisinkal Noble. In late 2008, the first cousins who spent a lot of time playing together, thought of trying something new.

"We didn't know much about sailing. We were only looking for some entertainment," Francis said, chuckling. "From there, we're here now."

They're now Asian Games silver medallists. The Army duo finished behind China across the nine-race men's skiff event on Thursday to bag the country's first sailing medal at the Kaiyoh Yacht Harbor.

In their first Asian Games, Francis and Noble, whose mothers are sisters, came into the race's final day with bigger aspirations. Silver made them elated none...