Abstract
While sport is playing an increasingly important role in society in the Middle
East, there has been limited research on the perceived social impact of the
hosting of major international events in this region. This study evaluates
the main factors aecting youth residents’ perceptions of hosting major
international sport events, by measuring the psychic income in particular,
generated within subgroups shaping their support toward hosting these events.
Psychic income refers to the emotional and psychological benefit residents
perceive they receive from hosting an international sport event. The study
is of significance within the context of residents’ perceptions studies given
that the large majority of residents in Qatar are non-Qataris. Furthermore,
the youth were the target population for this study given that they have been
identified as the custodians of the next generation and as an essential force
in molding national development; and extends the few residents’ perception
studies in Qatar which comprised the general population. Using the 2019 IAAF
AthleticsWorld championships as an example, a framework by KimandWalker
was adopted. Data were collected from 316 university students’ from dierent
nationalities residing in Qatar; a month after the event took place. After
conducting confirmatory factor analysis, this study was subject to structural
equation modeling. Overall, the results show that the perceived impact on
Qatari youth nationals was higher compared to Arab youth, and non-Arab
youth, respectively. Likewise, the perceived impact was higher for females
compared to males. By evaluating the psychic income received by youth from
dierent nationalities residing in Qatar, this study provides decision-makers
and organizers with a better understanding of the outcome generated from
hosting major international sport events, and how they can leverage these
going forward. Of importance is that even if youth residents do not attend the
event in person, these eventsmay still generate positive psychic income which
is particular relevant to the 2022 FIFA World Cup given the limitations related
to purchasing tickets. With Qatar establishing itself as a regional sport hub by
attracting a diverse range of international sport events, a cumulative approach
to understanding psychic income is recommended.