Developing a Paradigmatic Model for Track and Field Development in Iraq: A Grounded Theory Approach

Murtadha Abdulabbas Deiri  Alasadi; Abbas Naghizadeh-Baghi; Nasrin  Azizian Kohan; Merdad  Moharramzadeh

Authors

Murtadha Abdulabbas Deiri Alasadi Ph.D. Student of Sport Management, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9246-8781
Abbas Naghizadeh-Baghi Professor of Sport Management, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7231-7857
Nasrin Azizian Kohan Professor of Sport Management, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5483-7194
Merdad Moharramzadeh Professor of Sport Management, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5483-7194

Keywords:

track and field, Iraq, grounded theory, sport development, sport governance, sport policy, sport diplomacy

Abstract

This qualitative study developed a paradigmatic model for track and field development in Iraq. Track and field is a foundational Olympic discipline with potential to strengthen public health, youth development, sport culture, international representation, and sport diplomacy. However, its development in Iraq has been constrained by managerial instability, financial limitations, weak infrastructure, insufficient human resources, limited school-based talent identification, socio-cultural barriers, and political-security disruptions. Using the grounded theory approach of Strauss and Corbin, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 experts, including national and age-group coaches, Iraqi Athletics Federation officials, university faculty members, and international referees. Participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were analyzed in MAXQDA through open, axial, and selective coding. The analysis produced 177 open codes, 34 axial codes, and five selective categories. The final model included causal conditions, contextual conditions, intervening conditions, strategies, and consequences. Causal conditions consisted of managerial and financial challenges, infrastructure and human-resource limitations, and education and talent-development challenges. Contextual conditions comprised cultural-social, structural-demographic, and economic-organizational factors. Intervening conditions included political-security and temporary managerial-institutional influences. The proposed strategies included governance reform, human-resource development, talent identification, international engagement, media promotion, technology use, and infrastructure expansion. Expected outcomes included health and sport development, cultural and social development, economic and infrastructural development, and political-international development. The model indicates that sustainable track and field development in Iraq requires integrated intervention across governance, finance, education, culture, infrastructure, and international cooperation.

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