Katayoon Ashraf - Iranian

Katayoon Ashraf - Member of the World Paddle Awards Academy

Katayoon Ashraf (above, middle) has inspired a whole generation of female paddlers, ensuring they are equipped with vital life skills both on and off the water.

Born in Iran, Katayoon started out in canoe polo before becoming involved in dragon boating, canoe slalom, wildwater and rafting. With a full resume of competitive achievements behind her including gaining a third place in canoe polo in the Asian Canoe Championship in 2002, ranking first in first ladies canoe polo national championship in 2004 and ranking third in the Australasian Rafting Championships in 2010, Katayoon has shown the world that anything is possible.

With experience in many disciplines, Katayoon has been able to share her knowledge and coach a range of teams including canoe polo from 2004-2006, dragon boating for blind people in 2006, rafting and slalom since 2007. Her biggest achievement as a coach came recently when her athlete placed third in the canoe slalom event at the 2014 Asian Championships.

Katayoon's passion for paddlesports is unparalleled. With a bachelor's degree in the field of English Literature a Masters degree in Physical Education on top of various coaching awards she has the knowledge, passion and know-how to make a difference to people's lives in her culture, using paddlesports as an outlet.

In 2013 Katayoon organised the Expand and Extend program in Iran which helps women believe in themselves using slalom kayaking as their channel, to inspire them to achieve their personal goals within their respective cultures. Girls came from Iran, Africa, Europe and Asia and were taught to work as a team, learn how to help and care for each other and themselves and gain an understanding of women in other parts of the world. This pilot program was such a success that similar initiatives are set to take place in Iran (for a second time) and Thailand in 2015.

For their inspiring work done to encourage women into canoeing, Expand and Extend won the World Paddle Awards first 'Paddlesports Professional' award at the world premiere in Augsburg, Germany (now titled Foundation Award). Off the back of the exposure the award gave the programme, they launched an aid appeal following the second earthquake in Nepal that struck days after the ceremony. 

On top of this Katayoon is working as Head of the Slalom Committee for her federation. Her dedication and passion for paddlesports paired with her enthusiasm for bettering the lives of young women is a true testament to the type of person she is.

Katayoon Ashraf has won many awards in the capacity of:
• 2002 - Athlete, presented by the President of Iran
• 2008 - Successful woman in Iran, presented by the Governor of Isfahan
• 2009 & 2013 - Teacher, presented by the Minister of Education
• 2014 - Coach, presented by the President of Iran
• 2014 - Coach, presented by the Minister of Sport