درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

The purpose of this research was to identify strategic positioning of sports diplomacy capacities for sustainable development. The research population included professional athletes and coaches; who had experience working at international sports levels. The sample was selected via availability methods (146 individuals). Data collection was conducted through a researcher-made questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SWOT matrix. Five professors confirmed the validity of the questionnaire, and its reliability was determined by Cronbach's alpha value of 0.89, indicating the high reliability. The results revealed that the strategic position of sports diplomacy capacities for sustainable development is in the WT quadrant, indicating that the most appropriate strategies that can be applied are defensive ones. Accordingly, respective planners and decision-makers in sports, especially policy-makers, should consider appropriate strategies to improve Iranian sports diplomacy capacities, leading to a more sustainable development.

The development of sports infrastructure is crucial for promoting sports culture in society; however, this process is challenged by a lack of financial resources. Donors can complement government resources by financing and accelerating sports projects, but utilizing their capacity faces obstacles. The present study aimed to identify barriers to utilizing donors' capacity in developing sports infrastructure in Iran. This study employed a qualitative content analysis method using the thematic analysis technique, which is exploratory in nature. The research population included sports experts, managers, and individuals active in the field of sports philanthropy. Sampling was conducted through purposive and snowball methods, reaching theoretical saturation after 17 interviews. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews conducted through direct communication and telephone calls. To assess validity and reliability, acceptability, transferability, confirmability, and test-retest methods were used. Data analysis yielded 52 open codes, categorized into 17 sub-themes and 6 main themes: organizational barriers, planning and management barriers, legal barriers, cultural barriers, economic barriers, and awareness and educational barriers. The present findings can serve as a crucial guide for sports organizations and the government in identifying barriers to utilize donors' capacity in developing sports infrastructure, thereby facilitating improved actual performance in this domain.