Sport Management Studies

Investigating Factors Affecting the Performance of Qazvin Province Athletes in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and the 2026 Nagayo Asian Games Based on a Systemic Approach

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

hossein zareian 1
Elham Fasanghari 2
Ali khorjahani 3

1 Department of Sport Management, Sport Sciences Research Institute, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Iran

3 Department of Physical Education, Islamic Azad University, Takestan Branch, Takestan, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22089/smrj.2024.14572.3846
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Background and Purpose
International sports competitions represent a persistent arena where nations compete, with athletic success often reflecting broader societal achievements. This perspective has motivated governments worldwide to make strategic investments in elite sports programs. This study aims to identify and analyze the factors influencing the performance of athletes from Qazvin province in the forthcoming 2024 Paris Olympic Games and the 2026 Nagoya Asian Games. Given Iran’s variable outcomes in previous Olympic events, a systematic and localized model is essential to effectively enhance athletic performance. Employing a systems-based approach grounded in the sports success framework developed by De Bosscher et al. (2006, 202), this research seeks to furnish practical insights to policymakers and sports administrators in Qazvin to optimize athlete outcomes in major international competitions.
 
Methods
Using qualitative methodology rooted in Grounded Theory, this study explores the determinants impacting athlete performance in Qazvin province. The participant pool included senior representatives from the Ministry of Sports and Youth, executive management of the National Olympic Committee of Iran, heads of sports federations, and experts specializing in sports sciences. Employing theoretical sampling, 27 semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted until theoretical saturation was reached. The research process entailed the following phases:

Literature Review: Compilation of influential factors based on existing sports success research to inform interview frameworks.
Development of Interview Guide: A comprehensive guide was formulated and disseminated to participants prior to interviews.
Data Collection: Qualitative interviews probed political, economic, socio-cultural, and technological influences via insights from coaches, athletes, and policymakers.
Data Analysis: Transcriptions were examined through open and axial coding to extract concepts and categorize them, delineating interrelationships.
Model Development: Synthesizing findings yielded a systemic performance model delineating two principal dimensions: inputs and processes.

Results
The study identified 229 distinct factors influencing athlete performance enhancement in Qazvin, classified into inputs and processes following De Bosscher et al.’s model. These encompassed 14 conceptual categories—6 pertaining to inputs and 8 to processes—forming an integrative framework for strategic policy formulation.
Inputs:

Sports Factors: Developmental pathways spanning grassroots to elite levels, public engagement and support for sports, hosting qualification events, infrastructure and facility provision, and encouraging family involvement.
Political Factors: Collaboration between sports federations and foreign affairs ministries, governmental endorsements, safeguarding sports organizations’ political autonomy, and cultivating international sports relations.
Economic Factors: Allocation and timely distribution of budgets at national and provincial tiers, funding from governmental and private sectors, alongside revenue generation via marketing and sponsorship.
Socio-Cultural Factors: Levels of public sports participation, population Olympic literacy, national unity, audience engagement, and athletes’ cultural and religious adherence.
Technological Factors: Application of cutting-edge equipment and performance analytics, fostering innovation through patents and technology integration in training and competition.
Media Factors: Coverage of sporting events via traditional and digital media, live broadcasts, specialized sports journalism, and leveraging social media for promotion and marketing.

Processes:

Sport Policy Organization and Structure: Strategic formulation, performance monitoring mechanisms, organizational coordination, transparency, and accountability enhancements.
Fundamental Sports Development: Promotion of physical education, school competitions, and mobilizing family support for youth sports.
Talent Identification and Development Systems: Establishment of talent centers, financial backing for athletes, and partnerships between educational institutions and sports bodies.
Athlete Support: Advancement of technical skills, physical and psychological preparedness, international competition exposure, and financial stability.
Sports Facilities and Equipment: Construction and standardization of specialized sports venues, with emphasis on women’s sports infrastructure.
Coaching and Coach Empowerment: Continuous professional development, financial and moral endorsement, and engagement of veteran instructors.
National and International Competitions: Hosting prominent events, facilitating athlete participation internationally, and orchestrating regular national leagues.
Scientific and Research Development: Encouragement of sports research and its application to enhance performance.

Collectively, this integrated model underscores the necessity of a systemic approach involving policy, organizational structures, socio-cultural dynamics, and economic factors to foster an environment conducive to athletic excellence in Qazvin province. This cohesive perspective promotes strategic planning aimed at maximizing medal prospects in global sporting arenas.
Conclusion
The study elucidates the pivotal role of a systemic framework in elevating athlete performance in Qazvin. By harmonizing political advocacy, economic investment, socio-cultural engagement, and technological advancements, the proposed model outlines a holistic strategy for sports success. The findings stress the importance of collaborative efforts among policymakers, sports authorities, and communities to cultivate an enabling environment for athletes. Moreover, the study highlights the imperative for ongoing research and innovation to align with evolving global sports trends and sustain competitive advantage. Adoption of this model promises marked improvements in athletic outcomes and offers a viable blueprint for policy formulation and strategic sports development within Qazvin province. Future research should seek to refine the model and assess its applicability across other regions and sports disciplines.
Article Message
This investigation employs a systemic approach rooted in De Bosscher’s sports success framework, identifying 229 indicators across inputs (sports, political, economic, socio-cultural, technological, and media) and processes (sports policy, grassroots development, talent scouting, athlete support, facilities, coaching, competitions, and scientific research). It presents a localized, actionable blueprint for Qazvin province’s strategic sports planning. The model advocates enhanced coordination among stakeholders to secure sustainable success and medal achievements for provincial athletes.
Ethical Considerations
This study was conducted in strict compliance with qualitative research ethics. Participants volunteered after informed consent, with full briefing on study aims, rights (including withdrawal), and data confidentiality safeguards. No coercion or deception was used; data were analyzed solely for research purposes, adhering to Iran’s ethical standards.
Authors’ Contributions
Conceptualization: Hossein Zareian
Data Collection: Ali Khorjahani
Data Analysis: Elham Fasanghari
Manuscript Writing: Elham Fasanghari
Review and Editing: Hossein Zareian
Funding Responsibility: Qazvin Province General Administration of Sport and Youth
Literature Review: Elham Fasanghari
Project Management: Hossein Zareian
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
 
 
Acknowledgments
The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial and moral support from the General Directorate of Sports and Youth of Qazvin Province. They also extend sincere appreciation to officials, managers, sports elites, coaches, athletes, and faculty members from the Physical Education Department who enriched this research through their valuable participation in interviews.
 

Keywords

Asian Games
Olympic Games
Performance Improvement
Sports Success
Athlete

Subjects

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Sport Management Studies
Volume 17, Issue 90
September and October 2025
Pages 119-152

  • Receive Date 17 March 2023
  • Revise Date 27 June 2024
  • Accept Date 31 July 2024

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