University of Tehran Sport Management Journal 2008-9341 11 2 2019 06 22 The Role of Sport and Sport Diplomacy Development in Advancing Sociocultural Policies and Foreign Relations of the Islamic Republic of Iran The Role of Sport and Sport Diplomacy Development in Advancing Sociocultural Policies and Foreign Relations of the Islamic Republic of Iran 219 234 74355 10.22059/jsm.2017.235086.1860 FA Mohammad Javadipour Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Tehran Nazanin Rasekh Assistant Professor of Sport Management, SSRI 0000-0002-3568-2916 Journal Article 2017 09 04 The aim of this study was to investigate the role of sport and sport diplomacy development in advancing sociocultural policies and foreign relations of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Qualitative research methodology was applied. 20 sport experts who had considerable international and management experiences in the field of sport were selected by purposive sampling method and theoretical saturation. Then the required data were obtained using unstructured exploratory interviews. Different coding methods including open, selective and distinctive were used and the data were analyzed and interpreted in terms of the study aims and questions. The results revealed different challenges and weaknesses including lack of clear policies, lack of required knowledge and awareness in this field, and lack of knowledge about potential capacities in sport - culture diplomacy. In the end, some recommendations and measures to realize sport diplomacy goals through hosting international events, participation in international events, dispatching coaches and athletes, national media context, using sport stars and elites, and purposeful membership in international communities were offered. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of sport and sport diplomacy development in advancing sociocultural policies and foreign relations of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Qualitative research methodology was applied. 20 sport experts who had considerable international and management experiences in the field of sport were selected by purposive sampling method and theoretical saturation. Then the required data were obtained using unstructured exploratory interviews. Different coding methods including open, selective and distinctive were used and the data were analyzed and interpreted in terms of the study aims and questions. The results revealed different challenges and weaknesses including lack of clear policies, lack of required knowledge and awareness in this field, and lack of knowledge about potential capacities in sport - culture diplomacy. In the end, some recommendations and measures to realize sport diplomacy goals through hosting international events, participation in international events, dispatching coaches and athletes, national media context, using sport stars and elites, and purposeful membership in international communities were offered. https://jsm.ut.ac.ir/article_74355_a4c6d280658e5a24f2a42268b193af31.pdf