Qualitative Investigation of Ancient Sport of Zoorkhaneh (Case Study: Kermanian Athletes)

This research aims to study the sport of Zoorkhaneh by the interpretive and emic approach. Ten Kermanian ancient athletes participated at the study. Data were analyzed by grounded theory methodology and culminated in nine categories and one core category. Generally finding indicated that influence of values and laws of modern sports is in contradiction with and deteriorate traditional values of Zoorkhaneh such as vagrancy, chivalry and epic and consequently positive functions of Zoorkhaneh declined in society so that is changing to a pure athletic institution. Since inconsistency of the identity of Zoorkhaneh with the system of new sports, it is necessary to review the management policies of this social institution.