MILITARY MANAGEMENT QUARTERLY

MILITARY MANAGEMENT QUARTERLY

Identifying the themes of developing a culture of universal sports in the Iranian Armed Forces

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
1 Department of Sport Management, Isf.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
2 Corresponding Author, Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Sport Management, Isfahan (Khorasgan) branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
10.22034/iamu.2026.2066015.3199
Abstract
Sport for all is one of the main components in promoting physical, mental and social health and play a pivotal role in improving the quality of life and strengthening social cohesion. The aim of this study was to identify the themes of developing a culture of public sports in the Iranian Armed Forces. Qualitative approach and descriptive phenomenology were used to collect data. In this study, a qualitative and descriptive phenomenological approach was used to collect data. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 16 stakeholders of Iranian Armed Forces sports who were selected purposefully using the snowball technique. Participants were selected through purposive sampling combined with the snowball technique. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step method, and the credibility of the findings was enhanced through participant feedback and external auditing. The analysis revealed seven key dimensions influencing the development of port for all culture: organizational culture, infrastructure, managerial support, education and promotion, motivational factors, governmental policies, and inter-organizational collaboration. Participants highlighted challenges such as traditional mindsets, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient policy support. They also emphasized the significance of education, motivational initiatives, and inter-organizational interactions. The findings indicate that developing a sport for all culture within the Iranian Armed Forces requires addressing traditional mindsets, improving infrastructure, strengthening managerial support, and implementing continuous educational programs. Governmental policies and inter-organizational collaborations also emerged as crucial elements in promoting sports activities. Future research is recommended to explore the public sports culture to provide more comprehensive strategies for practical application.
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