Thai Badminton Star Pink Awaits Retest After Banned Substance Find
World-ranked badminton player Pink Pichayamol tested positive for a banned diuretic during the Asian Games in Japan on September 17, triggering suspension pending her B-sample retest results.
Thai badminton player Pink Pichayamol Obhasonnipatda, ranked 18th in the world, tested positive for furosemide, a banned diuretic used for rapid weight loss, according to the International Testing Agency announcement on September 21. The substance was detected during testing on September 17 at the 20th Asian Games in Japan. Pink has been suspended from competing, training, or participating in any badminton activities, violating the World Anti-Doping Agency and Olympic Council of Asia regulations.
Sports Minister Surasak Panjareungvorkgul stated that Pink traveled with the badminton team from September 16 and underwent testing as required. The next phase requires her to await the results of her B-sample test, with all proceedings to conclude before the Asian Games end on October 4. The women's badminton team is scheduled to return to Thailand on September 25.
The minister noted that all countries are required to educate athletes about banned substances before competition, but this incident will prompt stricter warnings about food, medications, and supplements. He added that Pink ranks fourth on the women's badminton team, so her suspension does not directly impact the team's campaign, but there are no replacement players available for the top three positions.
If the B-sample confirms the presence of banned substances, Pink could face a maximum ban of two years.
