Thai badminton prodigy Pitchamon Opatniputh suspended for doping at Asian Games

The International Testing Agency announced that Thai women's badminton player Pitchamon Opatniputh failed an out-of-competition test for furosemide, a prohibited diuretic, on September 17. The 19-year-old, currently 18th in the world rankings, has been placed under a provisional suspension that prevents her from competing, training, coaching or any participation in the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games. She was expected to play against China in the team competition on Tuesday.

The agency noted that she can challenge the suspension before the Court of Arbitration for Sport and may also request analysis of her B-sample. Furosemide is often used by athletes to lose weight rapidly by increasing water excretion.