DefinePK

Abstract

University student-athletes often face challenges in balancing institutional structures and family influences when deciding whether to participate in individual or team sports. This study aimed to examine the mediating role of parental support in the relationship between administrative support and the nature of sport participation among university student-athletes. A quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design was employed to collect data from 520 student-athletes who participated in intervarsity competitions. The participants represented both major sports (Cricket, Football, Hockey, Rugby) and minor sports (Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton, Table Tennis). Standardized instruments were used to measure administrative support, parental support, and type of sport participation, while statistical analyses included t-tests, binary logistic regression, and mediation analysis. Results indicated that student-athletes in minor sports reported higher levels of both parental and administrative support compared to those in major sports. Although the direct effect of administrative support on sport participation was not significant, the indirect effect through parental support was significant, confirming its mediating role. Logistic regression further revealed that parental support significantly predicted participation in minor sports, whereas administrative support alone did not. These findings suggest that while administrative structures are important, their effectiveness in shaping sport participation is enhanced when supported by strong parental involvement.