East Bengal posthumously awards legendary footballer Krishanu Dey

Late Indian soccer star Krishanu Dey, known for his silken skills and picture perfect passes, was on Thursday posthumously awarded the Dipak (Paltu) Das Memorial Trophy for his outstanding contribution to sports by East Bengal club.

Dey, regarded as one of the most creative play-makers in the country during the eighties and early nineties, had a long stint with East Bengal, for whom he first played in 1985. He passed away in 2003, aged 40.

Dey started off as a full-fledged striker, but dropped down to a withdrawn role for the majority of his years, relishing ball distribution and keeping the upfront moving with neatly addressed passes.

The trophy was collected by Dey's family members during the club's sports day celebrations.

The leading club also felicitated some of the top sportspersons of the state for their performances in 2014-15.

They included Chandan Bauri (athletics), Mayukh Ghosh (badminton), Doyel Dey (billiards) and Piyali Santra (swimming).

Coach and former Bengal Ranji player Pronab Nandy was felicitated for his contribution to East Bengal's cricket team for 15 years.

A blood donation camp and a free health-checkup kick-started the day at the club premises where the red and gold flag was unfurled in the morning.

Almost all the players of the current East Bengal squad were present at the ceremony.

The club also gave away kits to promising football talent in and around the city.