Factors Affecting the Environmentally Sustainable Development of Sport Events in Iran: A Thematic Analysis

The research is to identify the factors affecting the sustainable development of sport events in Iran using thematic analysis. So, a qualitative research among the research community that included key players in sport and the environment was formed through Purposeful sampling and a deep interview was conducted with 18 experts from the country's sports and environmental management. Based on the research method, a collection of initial codes and concepts was extracted. Then, through thematic analysis of these codes and concepts, the causal, subjective and interventive final themes and categories were formed. The findings were divided into three categories of causative factors including environmental authenticity and existing environmental status, the requirements and interaction of sport and the environment and the nature of the development of sports events. The underlying factors included the green infrastructure and the host environment, the requirements and system of the environmental system of sport, the governing body, the share of sport in the development of the country, the cultural and organizational attachment, the management plan and Finally, interventional factors include the nature of the event and the environment, environmental and financial factors, internal and external resources, monitoring, law enforcement and lobbying, and the structure of the country's sports industry. By examining the results and benefiting from identified factors, we can take more effective steps through strategic planning and implementation of appropriate strategies for sustainable environmental development of sport events and ultimately for sustainable development of the country's sports industry.