Identifying Factors and Proposing a Model for Developing the Empowerment of Hardware Infrastructure in Iranian Wrestling : A Grounded Theory Approach

Subject Areas : Sport Management

Mostafa Mirzaei ¹ , Hesam Eshraghi ^{2 *} , Rasool Nazari ³ , Elham Moshkelgosha ⁴

1 - Department of Physical Education, Mo.C, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
2 - Department of Physical Education, Mo.C, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
3 - Department of Physical Education, Isf. C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
4 - Department of Physical Education, Mo.C, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran

Received: 2025-06-20 Accepted : 2025-07-16 Published : 2025-09-22

Keywords: Empowement and Development, Hardware Infrastructure, National Sport of Wrestling, Grounded Theory,

Abstract :

Objective: The present study aimed to identify the factors and propose a model for the development of empowerment in the hardware infrastructure of wrestling in Iran .

Methods: This research is qualitative in nature, and the research method is grounded theory. The data collection tool was semi-structured interviews, and the statistical population included managers and expert professionals in wrestling. Snowball sampling was used for sampling, and the sampling continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Accordingly, 15 interviews were conducted with executive managers, university professors, coaches, referees, and wrestlers. The reliability of the interviews was determined using the intra-subject 0/74agreement method, Data analysis was performed using MAXQDA 2020 software through three-stage constant comparative coding (open, axial, and selective).

Results: In the open coding stage, 466 initial concepts or codes related to the hardware infrastructure of wrestling were identified from the interview transcripts, which, after merging and overlapping similar codes, resulted in 70 concepts. In the axial coding stage, the identified concepts were categorized into 8 main categories, including specialized infrastructure, welfare infrastructure, safety and security infrastructure, ancillary infrastructure, event hosting, territorial planning, media, and economic drivers, and the research model was developed

Conclusions: The results indicated that the development of hardware infrastructure, including venues, facilities, and equipment for wrestling as a popular sport with a spiritual status, contributes to social health and national capital enhancement. It also provides a framework for establishing wrestling as a brand on the international stage and achieving success at the Olympic level. Despite the broad potential impact of empowering wrestling on culture and the economy,it is suggested that a participatory governance mechanism in wrestling, under government supervision, is necessary to achieve national goals. There is a need for collective participation in creating adequate and appropriate sports infrastructure for the growth this sport

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