Document Type : Research Paper I Open Access I Released under (CC BY-NC 4.0) license
Authors
1 Assistant Professor of Sport Management, Sport Marketing and Commercialization Department, Sport Sciences Research Institute of Iran (SSRI), Tehran, Iran
2 Associate Professor of Sport Management, Sport Management and Policy Department, Sport Sciences Research Institute of Iran (SSRI), Tehran, Iran
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, 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.
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