The role of sports management in paving the way for the emergence and realization of the Mahdavi community in physical education and sports in the Islamic Republic of Iran

This study was conducted with the aim of explaining the strategic role of sports management in laying the groundwork for the emergence of the promised savior and the realization of the ideal Mahdavi society in the field of physical education and sports of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The descriptive-analytical method was used, using reliable religious sources (Hadith books, Quranic interpretations), upstream documents of the system (Constitution, Vision Document 1404, General Sports Policies), and domestic and foreign scientific research articles. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with 15 experts in sports management and religious sciences. The data were analyzed with a grounded theory approach and through open, axial, and selective coding. The findings led to the design of a paradigmatic model including 5 main categories (causal conditions, background, intervening, strategies, and consequences) and 15 subcategories. The final results show that sports management can, through changes in goals, structures, and strategies, transform sports from a purely competitive and recreational field into a platform for training the "waiting human force", "spreading justice", and "building Islamic civilization", and act as an effective vanguard in paving the way for the emergence of Imam Mahdi (a.s.). In the era of the emergence of Imam Zaman (a.s.), sports management, as one of the cultural and social pillars of society, requires a fundamental change in structure, goals, and approaches. Focusing on the role of sports in realizing justice, public health, and moral education, this article presents suggestions for redesigning the Islamic physical education system, equitable distribution of facilities, elimination of managerial corruption, and utilization of new technologies. It also emphasizes the capacity of sports in cultural diplomacy and the physical and mental preparation of people to serve in the global government of Imam of the Age (a.s.) And sports management in the era of emergence must serve the advancement of humanity, the unity of the Islamic nation, and the realization of divine values.