Pitchamon provisionally 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, after a sample tested positive for furosemide, the International Testing Agency (ITA) announced on September 21.

Acting on behalf of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), the ITA said in its official statement that Pitchamon had been notified of an apparent anti-doping rule violation. Her provisional suspension took immediate effect pending resolution of the case.

Under the World Anti-Doping Code and OCA Anti-Doping Rules, Pitchamon cannot compete, train, coach or participate in any activities during the 2026 Asian Games, the ITA said.

Furosemide detected in September 17 sample

The urine sample was collected by the ITA during an out-of-competition test in Nagoya on September 17. The ITA described the result as an adverse analytical finding for furosemide.

Furosemide appears under S5, Diuretics and Masking Agents, in the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) 2026 Prohibited List. It is classified as a specified substance and is prohibited at all times, both in and out of competition.

The ITA said furosemide can be used to expel water from the body for rapid weight loss. 

Pitchamon can challenge suspension and request B-sample analysis

Pitchamon has the right to challenge her provisional suspension before the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s Anti-Doping Division (CAS ADD). She can also request analysis of her B-sample, the ITA said.

The ITA said it would make no further comment while proceedings remained ongoing. The announcement concerns an apparent violation and a provisional suspension; the case has yet to be resolved.

An official response from the Badminton Association of Thailand was still awaited as the time of the report.