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By AFP   September 21, 2026 | 04:58 pm PT Google Get VnExpress first in Google Search info See more of the news you trust. Make VnExpress a preferred source to prioritise our updates in your Google search results

19-year-old Thai badminton player Opatniputh first doping case at Asian Games

The 19-year-old returned a positive sample for the banned substance furosemide and has been provisionally suspended, the International Testing Agency said.

The teenager, who is ranked 18th in the world and regarded as a rising star back home, had been due to face China on Tuesday in the team event.

Thailands Pitchamon Opatniputh plays against Chinas Chen Yu Fei during their womens single final match at the Indonesia Masters badminton tournament in Jakarta, Indonesia, Jan. 25, 2026. Photo by AP

Thailand's Pitchamon Opatniputh plays against China's Chen Yu Fei during their women's single final match at the Indonesia Masters badminton tournament in Jakarta, Indonesia, Jan. 25, 2026. Photo by AP

The first full day of badminton action at Asia's biggest sporting spectacular was on Sunday.

"The athlete is prevented from competing, training, coaching or participating in any activity during the Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026," the ITA said.

The agency noted that Pitchamon can challenge the provisional suspension at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

"The athlete also has the right to request the analysis of the B-sample," it added.

Furosemide can be used by competitors to excrete water for rapid weight loss.

The sample was collected by the ITA during out-of-competition testing on Sept. 17.

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