The next time you plan to visit Rangpur be sure to ask the inhabitants of the northern Bangladesh town how is Nazmul Haque Montu doing these days considering he is now aged 68 but his passion for the game is known far and wide.

Montu has earned the admiration of countless people young and old because of his tireless efforts to develop the standard of sports in the far-flung part of the country.

Even today he never misses a moment to play a game of football along with other District Sports Association (DSA) players. And more often than not his on-field antics draw most attention. At times Montu's behaviour leaves those around him thinking he runs with the intensity of a 28-year-old.

It is no wonder why the affection for Montu runs deep in the hearts of a new generation of football players and athletes under Rangpur DSA. They feel honoured to play alongside him. According to teammates his presence makes a 'difference'.

But more for the man himself the global game has a different meaning.

"Football is my life. Not a day goes by without me spending at least an hour on the pitch," says Montu.

"I've been playing football since I was twelve."

The self-described football maniac believed the success of his uncle Mozammel Haque, who was a player of Kolkata East Bengal, influenced his introduction to football.

He said: "His first tournament appearance came in the George Shield Football Tournament when I was a student of class six."

Besides the district team, he played for Dhaka University, Rajshahi University, the Rajshahi divisional team and Carmichael University.

As word of his talent quickly spread, so it was not long before Montu had a spell with two leading Dhaka clubs -- Mohammedan (1959 to 1960) and then with Wari in 1968.

His playing days over, Montu decided to switch to being a referee. He conducted many national and local football tournaments as an accredited BFF referee. Now he is a life-long member of the Bangladesh Referees' Samity.

But that was not enough for Montu who was keen to try his hand at coaching. After acquiring the necessary skills he was on his way to adding another feather in already distinguished career.

Montu was awarded FIFA and Olympic certificates for his outstanding contributions to the world of football coaching.

Away from football, the popular Rangpurian has taught physical education at the local government college.

Interestingly, his wife is herself is a physical teacher at Rangpur's Begum Rokeya College.

Sport runs in the Montu household. One of his three sons Turjo is a Dhaka Wanderers player, his second son Sohel represents BRTC while the eldest Tuhin is a member of the Rangpur DSA team. Not to be outdone daughters Smriti and Priti are regarded as the promising athletes in the country. Both have received a number of national awards.