Sport Management and Development
Mehdi Rasooli; Mohsen Esmaeili
Abstract
Objective: Zurkhaneh sport and Pahlevani wrestling, as one of the ritualistic and cultural heritages of Iran, despite their millennia-long history and ethical-heroic values, have faced multiple challenges in recent years. These include weak advertising, gender exclusivity, negative public perceptions, ...
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Objective: Zurkhaneh sport and Pahlevani wrestling, as one of the ritualistic and cultural heritages of Iran, despite their millennia-long history and ethical-heroic values, have faced multiple challenges in recent years. These include weak advertising, gender exclusivity, negative public perceptions, and lack of financial resources. So, the aim of this research was developing branding startegies for the Iranian Zurkhaneh sport and Pahlevani wrestling federation. Methodology: This research project aims to identify and propose branding strategies for Zurkhaneh sport and Pahlevani wrestling and is structured into three main sections. First, in-depth interviews were conducted with eight experts, including members of the federation’s board of directors, professional athletes, academic researchers, and Zurkhaneh club owners, to gain insights into the challenges, capacities, and branding priorities. In the second stage, the federation’s strategic plan was analyzed, and brand-related codes were extracted from this document. Finally, a focused working group of sports marketing specialists utilized the collected data to design branding strategies.Results: The findings indicate that sustainable development of Zurkhaneh sport and Pahlevani wrestling requires a calculated rebranding effort and innovation within traditional frameworks. Key strategies include: establishing "Classic" and "Modern" committees within the federation, gradually facilitating the inclusion of women, integrating the sport into schools and universities, collaborating with other federations and joint events, redesigning Zurkhaneh equipment for fitness clubs, and enhancing advertising and social media presence through the selection of cultural ambassadors. If these strategies are implemented, it is expected that negative public perceptions will shift, a broader audience will be attracted to Zurkhaneh sport and Pahlevani wrestling, sustainable income will be generated for the federation, and the national and international status of this sport will be elevated.Conclusion: These results can serve as a foundation for planning by sports managers, cultural policymakers, and researchers interested in reviving the Iranian-ritual identity within the realm of sports.
Mehdi Rasooli; Alireza Elahi; Mohsen Esmaeili
Abstract
Objective: Fans loyalty depends on accurate brand management. The main aim of this study was identifying external effective factors on branding of Iran's football clubs and promoting football club branding model of Rasooli (2014).Methodology: This is a qualitative study and basic research by method which ...
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Objective: Fans loyalty depends on accurate brand management. The main aim of this study was identifying external effective factors on branding of Iran's football clubs and promoting football club branding model of Rasooli (2014).Methodology: This is a qualitative study and basic research by method which ran through grounded theory method and qualitative interviews with experts. Interviews analyzed through qualitative coding (open, axial and selective).Results: Findings exposed 60 labels in open coding which categorized in 8 concepts. These concepts were culture, economic, top authorities, media, technology, opponents, customers and others.Conclusion: Eventually promoted model of Iran's football club brand management developed. The alternatives suggested according to the findings which club managers can use to promote club's brand.
