Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
PhD student in Sports Management, Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
2
Assistant Professor, Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
3
Professor of Sport Management Department, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/ntsmj.2025.2049024.1154
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify the necessity of developing e-sports in Iranian schools. The present research method is qualitative and exploratory research with thematic analysis strategy and is considered an applied research in terms of purpose. The participants in this study included experts and experienced individuals in the field of e-sports, e-sports players, e-sports club managers, managers and experts of the e-sports association, senior education managers, and sports teachers. The purposive sampling method was used in this study. In-depth and semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants to collect information, and theoretical saturation was achieved with 16 interviews. MaxQDA software version 22 was used to analyze the data. Thematic analysis strategy was also used to obtain information for this study.. The results of the research in the section on the necessity of developing e-sports in Iranian schools show that the necessities of developing e-sports consist of four main categories (themes), which include: strengthening motivation and social interaction, developing cognitive skills, economic and professional growth, and increasing educational and social justice. The necessities of developing e-sports in Iranian schools consist of twelve concepts (subcategories), which include: increasing motivation and social interaction, attracting attention and interest in technology, strengthening group and team skills, improving cognitive skills, improving logical and strategic thinking, developing decision-making and analysis skills, developing professional and economic opportunities, promoting international opportunities, preserving and strengthening cultural identity, promoting educational and social justice, improving access to technology, promoting cyber knowledge and digital security.
Keywords