Teenage badminton player Pitchamon Opatniputh becomes first athlete suspended after positive doping test at 2026 Asian Games

Thailand’s Pitchamon Opatniputh (AP photo) Thai teenage badminton player Pitchamon Opatniputh has become the first athlete to be provisionally banned from the 2026 Asian Games after testing positive for a banned substance, the International Testing Agency (ITA) said on Monday.The 19-year-old, ranked 18th in the world in women’s singles by the World Badminton Federation, tested positive for furosemide, a banned diuretic. The sample was taken during an out-of-competition test in Nagoya on September 17, two days before the official opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Games.Opatniputh was due to represent Thailand in the team event against China on Tuesday, but her suspension means she cannot compete at the Asian Games.

The temporary suspension takes effect immediately

The ITA said Opatniputh was informed of the case and suspended with immediate effect pending its resolution under the World Anti-Doping Code and the Olympic Council of Asia’s Anti-Doping Rules.“This means that the athlete cannot compete, train, coach or participate in any activity during the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games,” the ITA said in a statement.Furosemide is a diuretic that increases the excretion of water from the body. It can be used to facilitate rapid weight loss and can also potentially mask the presence of other banned substances.Opatniputh, one of Thailand’s leading badminton players, can challenge the temporary ban. He has the right to request a B-sample analysis and can also challenge the suspension at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.The positive test comes soon to the 16-day continental sporting event, which is being held in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya until October 4.The case remains subject to the anti-doping process and a temporary suspension does not in itself constitute a final anti-doping rule violation. Further proceedings will decide the outcome of the case.