Journal of Foresight and Health Governance 3092-6173 In Press 2026 09 11 An Expert-Informed Grounded Theory of Health-Oriented Participatory Sports Competitions in Iran: From Episodic Competition to Sustainable Health-Promoting Participation An Expert-Informed Grounded Theory of Health-Oriented Participatory Sports Competitions in Iran: From Episodic Competition to Sustainable Health-Promoting Participation EN Journal Article <p>Participatory sport events can provide an accessible entry point to physical activity, social connection, and health promotion; however, one-off competitions do not necessarily generate sustained participation. This qualitative study aimed to develop an expert-informed grounded theory explaining how health-oriented participatory sports competitions in Iran may be organized to support sustained, health-promoting participation. Classical grounded theory with Glaser’s emergent approach was used. Fifteen experts in sport management, sport-for-all, public health, physical activity, and participatory sport-event organization were selected through purposive and theoretical sampling. In-depth semi-structured interviews continued until theoretical saturation. Interviews were audio-recorded with participants’ agreement, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed through constant comparison, open coding, selective coding, theoretical coding, and memo writing. Analysis generated 106 initial codes, 41 subcategories, and 13 main categories organized into four overarching dimensions: (1) institutional and strategic requirements; (2) participation and health architecture; (3) assurance of responsible implementation; and (4) learning and health legacy. The core category was “transforming episodic competition into sustainable health-promoting participation.” The emergent model suggests that intersectoral governance and evidence-based planning provide the conditions for inclusive and health-centered design; responsible implementation supports safety, service quality, communication, and sustainability; and post-event monitoring creates a feedback mechanism through which anticipated physical, psychological, social, behavioral, and organizational legacies may be strengthened. The findings conceptualize these competitions as recurring, learning-oriented components of a broader participation system rather than isolated events. The model provides a context-sensitive framework for sport and public-health policymakers, municipalities, sport federations, and event organizers seeking to connect event participation with longer-term opportunities for physical activity.</p>