Thematic analysis of factors affecting the development of Iranian international women's sports diplomacy

The purpose of this study was to identify the factors affecting the development of Iranian international women's sports diplomacy. This research was exploratory and was done qualitatively (thematic analysis). The population of this study consisted of experts aware of the phenomenon under study. Sampling was done purposefully with a snowball approach and semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants. Based on the analysis of 17 interviews with study participants, 13 main themes and 33 sub-themes were identified. The results showed that the factors of religious requirements, socio-cultural requirements, media requirements, awareness, Promotion of scientific knowledge, development of an effective strategy, political-sports institutions responsibility, human resource development, structural requirements, international branding, management factors, holding events, and Development of international communications are the main factors influencing the development of Iranian international women's sports diplomacy. In general, the results showed, as a result of their increasing success and progress in international arenas, women's sports in the Islamic Republic of Iran are an effective tool for international diplomacy. The results of this research are a clear road map for officials and sports organizations to pave the way for the advancement of women's sports and ultimately the development of international diplomacy of women's sports.