Fardin Ali Molla: Chasing a Dream to Complete His Father's Unfinished Story
Do you remember Farid Ali Molla? Do you remember the football he played?
From the mid-1990s through much of the 2000s, Farid was a well-known name in Kolkata football. Yet his story remains one of unfulfilled potential. Despite possessing the talent, skill, and ability to succeed at the highest level, circumstances prevented him from realizing his dream of playing for one of Kolkata's traditional giants.
Today, that unfinished chapter continues to inspire his son, Fardin Ali Molla.
Farid still carries a sense of regret over the opportunities he could not pursue. And it is through Fardin that he hopes to see those lost dreams fulfilled. At the same time, Fardin is equally determined to ease his father's disappointment and complete the journey that Farid was never able to finish.
The young footballer has already taken important steps in that direction. After making four appearances in the ISL for ATK Mohun Bagan under Juan Ferrando, Fardin has continued his development by playing for Mohammedan Sporting on the ISL stage. But he knows his journey is only beginning.
His goal is not merely to play for a major club but to establish himself as an influential footballer at the highest level and, in doing so, erase the pain his father has carried for so many years.
Farid's story is one of sacrifice.
Coming from a lower-middle-class family, he had little choice but to prioritize job security. Time and again, opportunities arose from clubs such as Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting. At one point, renowned coach Subhash Bhowmick reportedly made a determined effort to bring him to East Bengal.
But life had other plans.
Farid recalls:
"Every footballer dreams of playing for a big club. I had that dream too. But I couldn't abandon my parents and leave my railway job. So I tell Fardin that I didn't have the opportunity or the freedom to take those chances. I'm giving him every opportunity I can. If he uses them well and establishes himself at a big club, it will ease my pain."
Farid personally oversaw his son's football education at the Beniabow Maitri Sangha ground in Kalikapur. From there, Fardin successfully passed the trials for ATK and earned a place in the club's development squad.
His progress was rapid. Both Antonio López Habas and Juan Ferrando recognized his potential and promoted him to the senior setup. Today, he continues to grow under coach Mehraj's guidance at Mohammedan Sporting.
Despite his achievements, Fardin remains grounded.
"This is only the beginning. I still have a long way to go. And yes, the challenge of completing my father's unfinished dream is my biggest motivation."
The hardships endured by Farid continue to fuel that motivation.
Even now, he speaks emotionally about his struggles:
"There were times when I went to training after being hungry for a day and a half. I attended trials barefoot."
Those experiences forced him to choose the security of a railway job over the uncertainty of chasing footballing glory. It was a painful decision, but one he felt he had no choice but to make.
Fardin has grown up hearing those stories.
He knows the sacrifices. He understands the missed opportunities. And perhaps that is why he carries such determination.
With a stubborn resolve, a burning ambition, and a clear goal in mind, Fardin continues to run toward his dream—run, and keep running.
Because for him, every step forward is about more than his own career. It is about honoring a father's sacrifices and completing a story that was left unfinished decades ago.
