Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Associate Professor of Sport Management, Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Alzahra University (SA), Tehran, Iran.
2 PhD student in sports management, Faculty of Physical Education, Shahid Chamran University, Ahvaz, Khuzestan, Iran
3 M.A. in Sport Management, Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Alzahra University (SA), Tehran, Iran
Abstract
This study was conducted with the aim of analyzing and prioritizing the key success factors in hosting international Wushu competitions in Iran. The research is exploratory–fundamental in nature and employed a mixed-methods approach based on field data. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with experts in the fields of sports management, international relations, sports tourism, and event management (14 participantes) , and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis method. The findings led to the identification of 43 categories and 11 main themes, including security and crisis management, sports infrastructure, welfare facilities, sports diplomacy, cultural and social capacities, strategic management, economic and financial capacities, specialized human resources, environmental sustainability, sports advertising, and long-term impacts. Subsequently, interpretive structural modeling (ISM) was applied to determine the relationships and hierarchical levels among these components. The results revealed that security, safety, and crisis management constitute the foundational factor for successful hosting, while other components operate at higher levels of influence. Accordingly, this research provides a framework for resource prioritization and targeted planning, offering practical guidance for enhancing Iran’s capacity to host international Wushu competitions and to leverage their economic, cultural, and social opportunities.
Keywords
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