Developing Sports Through Hosting Major Sporting Events in Iran
Keywords:
Iran, Olympic Games, Sports elites, Sports promotion, Top talents.Abstract
The objective of this study was to analyze how hosting the Olympiad of Top Talents contributes to the advancement and development of sports in Iran. This qualitative research employed grounded theory using Charmaz’s constructivist approach. Data were gathered from 15 purposively selected experts, including university faculty, officials of the Ministry of Sports and Youth, directors of provincial sports departments, federation heads, and physical education authorities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted until theoretical saturation was reached, and documents and reports related to the topic were reviewed. Data analysis proceeded through initial coding, focused coding, and theoretical integration, resulting in eight subcategories—economic, cultural, political, social, and infrastructure development, sports heritage, empowerment, and career path determination—and two overarching clusters capturing direct and indirect effects. A conceptual model was subsequently constructed to illustrate the mechanisms by which hosting the Olympiad facilitates sports advancement. Analysis revealed that hosting the Olympiad of Top Talents produces direct effects through infrastructure enhancement, athlete career-path development, empowerment of sports managers and personnel, and expansion of sports heritage, particularly athlete branding and talent development. Indirect effects emerged across economic, social, cultural, and political domains, including increased financial circulation, social cohesion, intercultural exchange, diplomatic leverage, and reduced social problems. The theoretical model shows that while direct effects immediately strengthen provincial sports capacity, indirect effects create enabling conditions that collectively accelerate long-term sports development. Hosting the Olympiad of Top Talents significantly advances sports in Iran by generating substantive direct and indirect developmental effects. The event strengthens infrastructure, talent pipelines, managerial capacity, and social–cultural engagement, thereby contributing to sustainable sports growth at provincial and national levels.
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