Thai badminton player Pitchamon Opatniputh has been provisionally suspended for a doping violation at the Asian Games in Japan, officials confirmed on Sunday. The 19-year-old athlete tested positive for furosemide, marking the first known doping case at the 2026 Games held in Aichi-Nagoya.

Pitchamon, ranked 18th globally and considered a promising talent in Thailand, was scheduled to compete against China in the women's team event on Sunday. However, following the positive test result, she has been barred from participating in any competitions, training sessions, coaching activities, or other events connected to the Games.

The International Testing Agency (ITA), responsible for anti-doping controls at the event, reported that the prohibited substance was detected through a sample collected during out-of-competition testing on September 17. Furosemide is classified as a banned diuretic and can be used to promote rapid weight loss or mask other substances.

The agency noted that Pitchamon has the right to request the analysis of her B-sample and may appeal the provisional suspension through the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The provisional suspension means the athlete remains sidelined while the case is under review.

Badminton’s full competition at the Asian Games commenced Sunday, drawing considerable attention across the continent. The case involving Pitchamon underscores the ongoing vigilance by anti-doping authorities to ensure fair play in major international sport events.