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(Un)sustainability of the elite parasport development system in a Least Developed Country: an investigation of Cambodian para-Athletic career pathways
Nagata, Shinichi Bloyce, Daniel Sato, Takahiro Yoneyama, Haruka Nishiyama, Naoki Boomgaard, Pepijn Okade, Yoshinori
Nagata, Shinichi
Bloyce, Daniel
Sato, Takahiro
Yoneyama, Haruka
Nishiyama, Naoki
Boomgaard, Pepijn
Okade, Yoshinori
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EPub Date
Publication Date
2025-06-09
Submitted Date
2023-12-25
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Abstract
Purpose: Establishing athletic career pathways is important for the sustainable development of elite parasport, but there is a paucity of literature on parasport athletic career pathways in economically disadvantaged, Least Developed Countries. The current study investigated how para-athletes, coaches, and administrators in Cambodia experience their athletic careers. Methodology: Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with four para-athletics coaches, six para-athletics athletes, and two parasport administrators in Cambodia. The transcripts were analyzed with thematic analysis. Findings and practical implications: Key themes indicated that the lack of parasport equipment limits new athlete recruitment, the lack of a positive career outlook after athletic retirement is a cause of distress among athletes, and specialized parasport coaches are lacking. These problems suggest alack of sustainability. The Cambodian government could invest in a clearer retirement preparation system for para-athletes. In this respect, retired para-athletes could continue contributing to parasport development in the country as elite and grassroots-level coaches. Research contribution: This is the first study examining the experience of para-athletes, coaches, and administrators in a Least Developed Country. Our findings identified recruitment, retirement preparation, and coach training as major areas for development. Value: The findings would assist evidence-based policy making for more sustainable development of elite parasport.
Citation
Nagata, Shinichi, et al. "(Un) sustainability of the elite parasport development system in a Least Developed Country: an investigation of Cambodian para-Athletic career pathways." Managing Sport and Leisure (2025): 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1080/23750472.2025.2513947
Publisher
Taylor and Francis
Journal
Managing Sport and Leisure
Research Unit
DOI
10.1080/23750472.2025.2513947
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Article
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ISSN
2375-0472
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The Japan Sports Agency of the government of Japan