The Role of Sports Diplomacy in Promoting International Interactions (grounded theory)

The aim of this study was to provide a framework for analyzing the role of sports diplomacy in promoting international interactions. Research methodology is qualitative with systematic analysis approach. The statistical population included current and former managers of the National Olympic Committee, Sport Federations, Youth and Sport Offices, Professors of Political Science and International Relations, Professors of Sport Management and the Information community. Purposive non-probability sampling and snowball technique were used to select the members of the study (n = 16). Research tools included systematic library study and the exploratory interview structure. The validity of tools using qualitative narrative methods was evaluated at a desirable level (Content validity, Kappa coefficient). Open, axial, and selective coding methods were used to analyze the findings. Presented analytical framework included six main perspectives of causal conditions, axial phenomena, contextual conditions, interventionist conditions, strategies and outcomes. Finally, link between these categories was determined by paradigm model of research and final theory was formed. Therefore, according to the findings of study, it can be said that in today's world, sports diplomacy is one of the important tools that governments use to achieve their goals. Regarding the state of sports diplomacy in our country, although there is a growing trend, there is still the lack of a systematic process. Therefore, the governing bodies of sport in our country need to make a strategy to develop sports diplomacy and improve peaceful relations with other countries at the regional, continental and global level and which will promote international interactions.