Kolkata, Aug 13 (IANS): Veteran photo-journalist Manojit Chanda passed away at a city hospital on Thursday evening after a brief illness. He was 87.

Beginning his career as a freelancer he later worked with The Hindu Group and was also associated with "Jugantar" newspaper. After it ceased publication, he worked with a lot of other notable publications based in and out of the city.

Chanda was the seniormost sports photographer of the city and as a professional, covered almost every sporting activity happening in Kolkata for more than 60 years and possessed a rich archive of pictures.

He received many decorations and awards for his undying zeal for photography, which took him to different sports venues of the city even weeks before he passed away.

The Calcutta Sports Journalists' Club feted him with a lifetime achievement award and also accorded him a honourary life membership of the club in its prestigious Annual Awards this year in April.

Sports Journalists' Federation of India president G. Viswanath condoled the death of Chanda.

The Calcutta Sports Journalists' Club also mourned his passing away. President Dhiman Sarkar said, "He was always actively involved with the CSJC and made it a point of attending all its functions even if it meant coming to them by public transport."

Chanda was a bachelor.