Solutions for Empowering and Promoting Sport Diplomacy in Foreign Policy of Islamic Republic of Iran

The purpose of this study was to provide solutions to empower and promote sport diplomacy in foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The whole research process included of two phases: the first phase of the research included qualitative research using grounded theory (Interview, studying articles, books, and documents), the second phase of the research included quantitative research using descriptive-analytic (Delphi and AHP). After the end of the first phase of the study, 12 variables were identified. The results of the research showed that some key strategies in empowering and promoting sport diplomacy in foreign policy of Islamic Republic of Iran from the viewpoints of elites are as follow: to review and revise the executive regulations of sports institutions (Ministry of Sports, National Olympic Committee, etc. ), to organize coordination meetings between the ministry of sports and ministry of foreign affairs as the main owners of sport diplomacy, to train political-sports leaders of the country with the principles of international interactions in international level, to implement a comprehensive program for expanding and promoting sport diplomacy, to define and clarify the concept of sport diplomacy for state organizations active in public diplomacy