Thai badminton player suspended over banned substance

NAGOYA, Japan — 22 September 2026, Thai women’s singles badminton player Pitchamon “Pink” Opatniputh has been provisionally suspended after the International Testing Agency (ITA) reported an adverse analytical finding for furosemide, a substance prohibited under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules.

The suspension means Pitchamon cannot compete at the Asian Games 2026 in Japan while the provisional measure remains in effect.

The ITA, which is conducting anti-doping activities on behalf of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), said Pitchamon’s sample was collected during an out-of-competition test in Nagoya on 17 September. Laboratory analysis returned a positive result for furosemide.

Furosemide is listed under WADA’s S5 category, Diuretics and Masking Agents, and is prohibited at all times, both in and out of competition.

Following notification of the result, Pitchamon was placed under a provisional suspension with immediate effect. During the suspension, she is barred from competing, training, coaching or participating in activities at the 2026 Asian Games.

However, the case remains under review and the provisional suspension does not constitute a final finding or sanction.

Pitchamon has the right to challenge the provisional suspension before the Court of Arbitration for Sport Anti-Doping Division (CAS ADD). She can also request analysis of her B-sample in accordance with the applicable procedures.

The ITA said it would not comment further while the case remains ongoing.