PM ‘concerned’ about Ratchanok dope case
PRIME MINISTER General Prayut Chan-o-cha has expressed concern about news reports stating badminton star Ratchanok “May” Intanon failed a drug test and has ordered an inquiry into the matter, a source said.
Prayut admitted yesterday that he was worried about Ratchanok, adding that the world No 4 should not be troubled by such allegations.
Ratchanok has been training intensively for the Rio Olympic Games, which begin next month.
The Badminton Association of Thailand (BAT), with Khunying Patama Leesawadtrakul at the helm, has been working closely with world badminton’s governing body the Badminton World Federation (BWF) concerning the matter over the past three days.
The BAT has asked the media to stop reporting stories about Ratchanok and instead wait for the BWF’s official announcement. The association said a press conference would be held following the BWF’s announcement.
BAT secretary-general Nahathai Sornprachum said the media should wait for the BWF to release a announcement.
“The report has yet to be officially confirmed. The BWF has also asked the association not to comment on Ratchanok’s doping test until the official announcement from the BWF is released, for fear that the news reports might affect the Olympics-bound Thai shuttlers’ preparations,” she said. “I think the confirmation [from the BWF] can be made within the next three days and shortly after that the BAT will hold a press conference, for sure.”
News sources said it was likely that the BWF would release its announcement on Monday.
The seven Thai shuttlers who have qualified for Rio including Ratchanok have continued their intensive training for the August 5 to 21 event. The badminton squad is due to leave for Rio de Janeiro on August 1.
Thailand fans from all walks of life were stunned on Wednesday by unconfirmed reports that Ratchanok had failed a drug test, with the former world champion posting “I’m faded” on Instagram.
She did not elaborate but the comment was widely interpreted to mean she was losing hope of competing in the Games. In the post, she apparently compared her life now to a night sky without shining stars.
A prohibited substance was reportedly found in Ratchanok’s sample after the completion of the Uber Cup – the World Team Badminton Championships for women in China in May, not the Asian Championships in April as was previously reported.
