Identifying the Factors Influencing the Development of Athletics in Iraq

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student of Sport Management, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

2 Professor of Sport Management, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili. Ardabil, Iran

Abstract

Purpose: Athletics, as one of the most fundamental disciplines in sport, plays a significant role in promoting public health, identifying and nurturing talent, and enhancing countries’ international standing. Nevertheless, the development of this sport in Iraq faces various challenges. The purpose of the present study was to identify the factors influencing the development of athletics in Iraq.
Method: This research employed a qualitative approach, using qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis techniques. Participants included coaches, federation officials, and university faculty members who were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and theoretical saturation was achieved after conducting 20 interviews. To ensure the trustworthiness of the study, criteria such as credibility, transferability, confirmability, and test–retest reliability were applied.
Results: The data analysis process yielded 82 open codes, which were subsequently organized into 17 sub-themes and ultimately classified into seven overarching themes. These major themes included: managerial and organizational structure factors; financial and economic factors; infrastructural and technical factors; human resources and training factors; support and talent identification factors; cultural and social factors; and environmental and demographic factors.
Conclusion: The findings indicated that each of these factors can play a decisive role in either advancing or constraining the development of athletics in Iraq. Accordingly, it is recommended that sport policymakers adopt strategies such as restructuring managerial systems, improving financial provision mechanisms, investing in infrastructure, strengthening talent identification systems, and promoting the culture of fundamental sports to facilitate the sustainable development of athletics in Iraq.

Keywords

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Research in Sport Management and Marketing
Volume 7, Issue 2
In Progress
2026
Pages 1-19

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