Identify and Prioritize the Effective Factors of Sport Diplomacy Development in Islamic Republic of Iran’s Foreign Policy

The purpose of this study was to Identify and Prioritize the Effective Factors of Sport Diplomacy Development in Islamic Republic of Iran’s Foreign Policy.

The entire research process included two steps, The first step of research included: qualitative research (Using an interview with university professors and elites, reading articles, books and documents), The second step of the study included: quantitative research of descriptive-analytical type (using Delphi and AHP method). After the end of the first phase of the study, 15 variables were identified after the end of the second round and Delphi method and the final screening.

results of the study showed that having diplomatic support, interaction communication with other governmental and nongovernmental organizations, The agenda of introducing a targeted constitution with creative human resources in the field of sports diplomacy, Mutual cooperation between the Ministry of Sports and the National Olympic Committee and Paralympics with Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Establishing a centralized agency to follow-up and prevent duplication and ... Could be effective factors in the development of sport diplomacy in the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

According to the findings, it can be said that existence of a coherent organization responsible for the development and implementation of sport diplomacy seems necessary. It is also suggested that the Ministry of Sports and Youth in cooperation with Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Policies and setting goals in this field, academic interactions, increasing activities of universities and ... payoff to development diplomacy activities in the field of sports.