In his youth, Sabanayakan excelled in track sprints, played competitive junior-school hockey and became an accomplished cricketer. He represented Berhampur University for four consecutive years—twice as captain—and was called to the Odisha Cricket Association's Ranji Trophy nets in 1978 and 1979.

That experience gave his reporting a rare technical depth. Beginning at the Indian Express in 1980, his career would span India's most respected newsrooms, major international sporting events and leadership roles across the global sports-press community.