"An Se-young is my role model" ... Thai 'princess' badminton player Pitchamon tests positive for a banned substance ahead of the Asian Games [Nagoya AG]
- Input
- 2026-09-22 09:59:50
- Updated
- 2026-09-22 09:59:50
[Financial News] Thai badminton player Pitchamon Opatniputh, who had been preparing to compete in the 2026 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya, tested positive for a banned substance in a doping test.
The International Testing Agency (ITA) announced on its official website on the 21st, Korea time, that Furosemide had been detected in Pitchamon's sample.
The ITA explained that the use of Furosemide is prohibited in all circumstances. It stated, "Furosemide is listed on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List as a diuretic and masking agent," adding, "Its use is prohibited in all circumstances, both in and out of competition."
The sample was collected during an out-of-competition doping test conducted in Nagoya, Japan, on the 17th. The ITA said, "Athletes may use it to eliminate water from their bodies for rapid weight loss," and added, "The sample was collected during an out-of-competition doping test conducted by the ITA in Nagoya, Japan, on the 17th."
Former soccer player Andre Onana also had Furosemide detected in his urine and was previously handed a one-year suspension from competition.
Pitchamon was notified of the test results and the provisional suspension. The ITA said, "The athlete was notified of this case and was immediately provisionally suspended under the WADA rules and OCA Anti-Doping Rules until the matter is resolved."
During the provisional suspension, she may not participate in any activities related to these Asian Games, including competition, training and coaching. Pitchamon may appeal to the Anti-Doping Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and request an analysis of the B sample.
Born in 2007, Pitchamon competes in women's singles and won the 2023 World Junior Championships. She gained popularity for her looks and was nicknamed the "Thai princess." She has also named An Se-young as her role model.
[email protected] Han Seung-gon Reporter