The Impact of Sports Diplomacy Components on Achieving the Political Goals of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of sports diplomacy components on achieving the political goals of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The present research will be of applied nature in terms of purpose and will utilize field research methods for data collection. This inquiry is quantitative and employs a survey method, utilizing a researcher-made questionnaire for data collection. The questionnaire items were designed based on the concepts derived from in-depth interviews with experts. The statistical population of the study consisted of doctoral students (master's or bachelor's degree) and professors and elites in sports management, as well as experienced managers knowledgeable about the subject. The sample size was determined based on the number of questionnaire items (minimum of 5 to 10 individuals per question) derived from the conceptual model. The results indicated that according to the interpretive model in structural equation modeling, and since the value of the t-statistic for all paths is greater than 1.96, it can be stated that the respective path is significant at the 95% level. Therefore, all hypotheses tested in this study are confirmed. Based on the research findings, it is recommended that a Sports Diplomacy Policy Council be formed, consisting of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Sports and Youth, Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Minister of Education, Minister of Science, Research, and Technology, and other relevant officials, to determine the country's position in sports diplomacy in government programs and to formulate responsible strategies for this purpose.