KATHMANDU, Sept. 14, 2024 : The Sports Journalists’ Federation of India (SJFI) congratulates Mr. S. Sabanayakan on being bestowed the Award, Legend of AIPS ASIA, for his contributions to Sports Journalism at a glittering ceremony hosted by Nepal Sports Journalists Forum in Kathmandu on Friday. : Mr. Sabanayakan is the second Indian to win this prestigious award. Way back in 1986 Mr. Shyam Sundar Ghosh, was adjudged the best Sports Journalist by Asian Sports Press Union (now AIPS ASIA).
Mr. Sabanayakan has completed 44 years in the profession on September 8 this year.
He started his career with Indian Express on September 8, 1980 in Kolkata. After four and a half years of service, he joined The Telegraph of Kolkata on February 1, 1985.
Mr. Sabanayakan joined the sports bureau of The Hindu in Kolkata as a Special Correspondent on March 1, 1995. He retired on September 30, 2015 as the Deputy Editor (Sports).
He contributed to the Assam Tribune group’s Dainik Asam before joining Eastern Chronicle on May 1, 2018 as its Sports Editor.
He took charge as the Editor of the Kolkata edition of Eastern Chronicle on March 15, 2021.
Mr. Sabanayakan passionately covered Athletics, Cricket, Football, among other disciplines.
He played hockey during his junior school days apart from excelling in sprints and relays.
He excelled as a cricketer during his College and University days and was called for Ranji Trophy nets for two seasons by Odisha Cricket Association in 1978& 1979. He represented Berhampur University for four years (1976-1980) twice as its captain.
On arriving in Kolkata, he turned to club cricket and played second and first division league cricket for Albert Sporting, Kidderpore SC and ABP Sports Club for five seasons before focussing on Sports Journalism.
As a Sports Journalist, he represented Calcutta Sports Journalists’ Club (CSJC) and East Zone in J.K. Bose Memorial Cricket and AC. Bali Memorial Table Tennis tournaments for sports scribes. His last JK Bose appearance was in 2014 in Hyderabad.
Mr. Sabanayakan joined the CSJC as its member in 1983. He was elected as its Assistant Secretary in 1987. He was elected as the CSJC Secretary in 1990-1991.
He was unanimously elected as the club’s President in 2008-09 and served the club till April 2015.
Mr. Sabanayakan’s journey with the Sport’s Journalists’ Federation of India (SJFI) began in 1990-91 when he was elected to the Executive Committee.
In 1996-1998 and 1998-2000 he was elected as Honorary Secretary General and Honorary Treasurer.
He became the President of SJFI in 2008 and completed 2 two-year terms.
Mr. Sabanayakan was elected as the Vice- President of AIPS ASIA in 2017 in Islamabad and was re-elected to the post in 2022 in Rome.
He continues to serve the SJFI and was renominated as the Chairman, International Affairs due to his vast experience and deep connections in AIPS.
As a life member, he continues to serve the CSJC as its Executive Council Member.
