Identify and prioritize the development needs of the field of sports diplomacy

The purpose of this study is to identify and prioritize the development needs of the field of sports diplomacy. The research method was mixed. The statistical population of the study included all experts and practitioners in the field of sports diplomacy. In the qualitative stage of the research, purposeful sampling method and snowball sampling technique were used for in-depth interviews and sampling continued until the research reached theoretical saturation and adequacy (11 people). In the second stage of the research, based on the criteria arising from qualitative content analysis, research samples were selected. The questions of this interview were determined openly and generally based on the objectives of the research. The results of the analysis of the interviews showed that the prerequisites of sports diplomacy are a combination of sub-categories of gaining international seats in sports, having a roadmap for diplomats in the field of international diplomacy, streamlining, basic capacities, laying the groundwork, formulating a strategic plan, investing in promoting soft power and international awareness. The factor validity of the main categories was confirmed and specified separately. The results of factor analysis showed that the model developed is supported by research data. The results also showed that there is a significant difference between the average ranks of factors affecting sports diplomacy.