Thailand says teams careful of doping rules after badminton player fails drug test

NAGOYA: Thailand's sports minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul reported heightened awareness among the nation's athletes at the Asian Games regarding doping regulations, following a positive drug test by a prominent badminton player. Pitchamon Opatniputh emerged as the first confirmed doper at the Aichi-Nagoya Games on Monday, after testing positive for furosemide, a substance often employed for rapid weight loss.

The 19-year-old, a former world junior champion, conducted an out-of-competition test on Thursday and was subsequently barred from the Games. Pitchamon may contest the provisional suspension before the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Surasak disclosed that Thailand had requested analysis of the supplementary B sample, and Pitchamon had informed them that the positive result could possibly be due to an anti-inflammatory ointment.

Speaking to Thai media at the Games, Surasak emphasized that all athletes comprehend the necessity of adhering to doping rules, as any unauthorized substances detected would undoubtedly affect the competition. He further assured Thai media that all associations and national teams are vigilant and cautious, potentially attributing the case to an individual who inadvertently violated the rules.

Pitchamon was enrolled in the women's team event in Nagoya. Thailand's women, who secured a team bronze at the Games in Hangzhou three years ago, suffered a 3-0 defeat to China in the quarter-finals on Tuesday. The Asian Games continue until October 4.