Badminton player suspended from Asian Games after positive test

Thai badminton player Pitchamon "Pink" Opatniputh has been provisionally suspended from the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, following a positive test for furosemide.

The International Testing Agency (ITA), acting for the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), announced on September 21 that Pitchamon had been notified of an apparent anti-doping rule violation. The suspension took effect immediately while the case is considered.

Sample collected in Nagoya

The ITA collected the urine sample during an out-of-competition test in Nagoya on September 17. It reported an adverse analytical finding for furosemide, a diuretic and masking agent.

Furosemide is listed under S5, Diuretics and Masking Agents, on the World Anti-Doping Agency's 2026 Prohibited List. It is classified as a specified substance and is banned both in and out of competition.

The agency said the substance can be used to remove water from the body rapidly for weight loss.

What the provisional ban covers

Under the World Anti-Doping Code and OCA Anti-Doping Rules, Pitchamon cannot compete, train, coach or take part in any activity during the 2026 Asian Games while the provisional suspension remains in force, the ITA said.

The announcement does not amount to a final ruling. Pitchamon may challenge the suspension through the Court of Arbitration for Sport's Anti-Doping Division (CAS ADD), and can request testing of her B-sample.

The ITA said it would not comment further while proceedings are ongoing. An official response from the Badminton Association of Thailand was still awaited.

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23 September 2026

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