Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Sport Management, Physical Education Faculty, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2
Sport Management, Physical Education Faculty, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Background and Objective: As a critical component of public diplomacy after formal relations, sports diplomacy uses the universal language of sport as a powerful tool for national communication. The goal of this research was to identify the barriers and capabilities of FARAJA’s sports diplomacy.
Methodology: This was a qualitative-applied study using theme analysis and an inductive approach. Participants included officials from the Ministry of Sports, university professors, Foreign Ministry experts, armed forces managers, and police sports champions. Sixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted using purposive sampling until theoretical saturation was reached. Dependability, transferability, and inter-subject agreement were used to ensure validity and reliability.
Findings: 318 codes were extracted, categorized into 17 main categories and 131 sub-categories, comprising Barriers/Problems (6 concepts, 49 items) and Capabilities (11 concepts, 82 items) for developing sports diplomacy.
Discussion and Conclusion: Identified Barriers included policymaking, cultural, economic, political, structural, procedural factors, and the commanders' mindset. Key Capabilities included international identity and status, foundations of diplomacy, sports infrastructure, national pride, opportunity creation, capacity building, and management/planning. Strategic action is needed to leverage these capabilities and overcome barriers for significant diplomatic outcomes.
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