Interview Times 
FEATURE: Odisha’s industrial landscape has long been shaped by individuals who have driven the state’s economic progress. Among these leaders is Tarini Prasad Mohanty, a well-known name in the mining sector. With a business portfolio that includes mining, hospitality, and various ventures, Mohanty has earned his place as a major player in Odisha’s growth. Yet, his latest move has caught many by surprise—his foray into professional sports, with the purchase of the hockey team Team Gonasika. This marks Mohanty’s first step into the sports world and highlights his deep connection to Odisha’s culture and its most cherished sport—hockey.
Hockey: More than a Sport in Odisha
For the people of Odisha, hockey is more than just a game; it is an emotion. The sport has long been embedded in the state’s identity, and it has found a permanent place in the hearts of Odiyas. Hockey is part of Odisha’s cultural fabric, passed down through generations as a source of pride and inspiration. Legends like Dilip Tirkey, who rose to captain the Indian hockey team, and current stars like Amit Rohidas, who continue to represent Odisha on the international stage, are revered not just as athletes but as heroes. These names are celebrated in every household, embodying the state’s rich tradition in hockey.
Tapping into this passion, Tarini Prasad Mohanty’s decision to buy Team Gonasika is not just a business move but a tribute to Odisha’s undying love for the sport. His team, though representing Visakhapatnam in the upcoming Hockey India League (HIL), carries a deep connection to Odisha. Named after Gonasika, the source of the Baitarani River in Keonjhar, Mohanty’s native region, the team symbolizes his commitment to his roots and to bringing Odisha’s hockey spirit to the national stage.
From Mining to Sports: A Visionary’s New Venture
Tarini Prasad Mohanty’s journey to becoming a team owner has its foundation in his incredible success in the mining industry. Hailing from Keonjhar, a region renowned for its mineral wealth, Mohanty has built an empire that stands for efficiency, innovation, and environmental responsibility. His mining company has not only established itself as a leader in resource management but has also taken significant steps towards sustainable practices, including wet drilling and dust suppression systems.
However, Mohanty’s venture into sports, particularly hockey, reflects a different side of his entrepreneurial spirit. By purchasing Team Gonasika, he is stepping into a new arena, one that brings together his business expertise and his passion for Odisha’s beloved game. This move is not merely an investment in sports—it is a way of giving back to his community, nurturing local talent, and promoting a sport that defines the spirit of the state.
Team Gonasika: A New Symbol for Odisha
While Team Gonasika will play in the HIL under Visakhapatnam’s banner, it remains deeply tied to Odisha’s hockey legacy. The rebranding of the team from the Killing Lancers to Team Gonasika speaks volumes about the pride Mohanty takes in his heritage. The name itself, inspired by Keonjhar’s sacred river, is a nod to the region’s importance to both Mohanty and the state’s identity. By stepping into the world of hockey, Mohanty is helping to further Odisha’s reputation as a hockey powerhouse.
His acquisition of Team Gonasika also signals the beginning of a new era for Odisha’s hockey scene. With the inclusion of top players and a well-rounded support team, the squad is set to compete at the highest level, carrying the hopes of Odisha’s hockey enthusiasts. The team’s presence in the league is expected to inspire young talent.
More Than a Business Venture
For Tarini Prasad Mohanty, owning Team Gonasika is more than just a strategic business move; it’s about fostering a platform for the next generation of hockey players. His commitment to sports echoes his dedication to sustainable and responsible business practices in the mining sector. In the same way that his company has set benchmarks for environmental responsibility, Mohanty aims to make a lasting impact on Odisha’s hockey scene by promoting talent and reinforcing the state’s deep connection to the game.
Under his leadership, Team Gonasika will not just be another franchise in the HIL—it will stand as a symbol of Odisha’s love for hockey. The team represents the collective pride of a state that has given the world hockey legends and continues to nurture future stars. As Mohanty transitions from mining magnate to sports team owner, his multifaceted vision for Odisha’s growth remains clear—whether it’s through industry or sports, he is committed to driving progress, inspiring pride, and fostering the state’s potential.
In every aspect of his work, from mining to hockey, Tarini Prasad Mohanty’s vision is deeply rooted in his love for Odisha. Through Team Gonasika, he is ensuring that Odisha’s legacy in hockey continues to grow, symbolizing the passion, pride, and unity that the sport brings to the people of the state.
