On 21/9, the International Testing Agency (ITA), on behalf of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), announced the provisional suspension of Pitchamon Opatniputh. This followed a positive test result for the prohibited substance furosemide from the Thai player's sample. The suspension took immediate effect, barring her from participating in activities at ASIAD 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

Pitchamon speaks to Thai media at an airport. *Photo: Mgronline*

The test sample was collected by the ITA on 17/9 in Nagoya during an out-of-competition test. Laboratory results indicated an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for furosemide in Pitchamon's sample, a substance on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list.

Furosemide belongs to category S5, which includes diuretics and masking agents. This category of substances is prohibited both in-competition and out-of-competition. The ITA stated that furosemide can be used to excrete water from the body for rapid weight loss.

Under the provisional suspension, Pitchamon is prohibited from competing, training, coaching, or participating in any ASIAD activities while the order is in effect. This prevents the 19-year-old player from joining the Thai women's badminton team in their quarterfinal match against China in the team event, scheduled for the morning of 22/9.

Pitchamon is a notable young talent in Thai badminton, currently ranked 19th in the world. She reached two World Tour finals in 2026: the Indonesia Masters, a World Tour 500 event, and the Orleans Masters, a World Tour 300 event in France. Her Instagram account has hundreds of thousands of followers. ASIAD 2026 was also set to be her first Asian Games.

This marks the first doping case announced at ASIAD 2026 as of 21/9. The Games are taking place in Aichi-Nagoya from 19/9 to 4/10.

However, a positive test result does not yet signify Pitchamon has received a final doping sanction. The ITA confirmed she is provisionally suspended while the case proceeds under the World Anti-Doping Code and the OCA Anti-Doping Rules.

Pitchamon has the right to appeal the provisional suspension before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, Anti-Doping Division (CAS ADD). She also has the right to request a B sample analysis to reconfirm the A sample's results.

The ITA stated that as the case is ongoing, the agency will not comment further until new developments emerge.

Pitchamon's absence is a significant loss for the Thai women's badminton team at ASIAD, as she has been in good form in 2026.

Hoang An (according to Thairath)