Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Associate Prof. in Sport Management, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran
2 M.Sc. in Sport Management, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Sports have long been utilized in diplomatic and international relations as a form of soft power. This qualitative study with a historical perspective used documentary methods and nominal interviews to examine the emergence of non-native sports in Iran. All relevant historical documents, articles, books, and reports (N=70) were analyzed. Experts and researchers in the field of sports history in Iran including experts in the field of sport management, sport sociology; history of sports; athletes and Sports veterans; club and teams managers (N=19) were also purposefully and snowball sampled to reach the theoretical saturation limit. Results indicated that Iranians who returned from abroad and foreigners were key in introducing sports to Iran, while economic and political communications were important in promoting development. Advertising and marketing, foreign culture, structural development, and economic development have helped sustain and develop these disciplines. Similar emergence in many countries suggests that governments have used sports as a tool to achieve political goals in host countries.
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