Document Type : Research Paper I Open Access I Released under (CC BY-NC 4.0) license
Authors
1
Department of Sports Management, Bo.C., Islamic Azad University, Borujerd, Iran
2
Associate Professor, Department of Sport Management, Physical Education Research Institute, Tehran, Iran
3
Associate Professor,Department of Sports Management, Bo.C., Islamic Azad University, Borujerd, Iran
Abstract
The aim of this study is to design a cultural annex model for the Islamic Republic of Iran’s sports delegation at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games—an approach that seeks to strengthen the cultural, social, and identity-related dimensions of international athletic participation. The research employs a qualitative methodology based on grounded theory (Strauss and Corbin’s systematic approach). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 17 experts in the fields of culture, sports, media, and management, and analyzed using three-stage coding. Findings revealed that the need for a cultural annex arises from three main causal conditions: (1) the necessity of representing Iran’s cultural identity in international events, (2) the complexity of cultural interactions with host countries, and (3) outcomes of past cultural missions. This phenomenon is contextualized by underlying conditions such as “local beliefs and values,” “the institutional structure of sports and culture,” and “current socio-media dynamics.” Moreover, intervening factors—including the absence of cohesive policy-making, a shortage of cultural human resources, media limitations, and diplomatic pressures—significantly influence the feasibility of implementing the annex. The proposed strategies are structured around five core axes: (1) formulating a clear cultural policy, (2) enhancing human resource capabilities, (3) producing targeted content, (4) fostering intercultural dialogue, and (5) achieving institutional cohesion. The anticipated outcomes of implementing the cultural annex are classified at both macro and internal levels, including the promotion of Iran’s cultural diplomacy and the consolidation of national and religious identity among athletes. Ultimately, the proposed paradigm model offers a strategic framework for cultural planning.
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