Doping shock rocks Thailand camp at Asian Games

The International Testing Agency said badminton player Pitchamon Opatniputh tested positive for a banned substance on Monday. (Supplied photo) Badminton player Pitchamon Opatniputh is the first known doping case at the 20th Asian Games in Japan, after the 19-year-old rising star returned a positive test that has rocked Thailand's campaign in Aichi-Nagoya.

The world No.18 returned a positive sample for the banned substance furosemide and has been suspended with immediate effect, the International Testing Agency said in a statement on its website on Monday.

The sample was collected by the ITA during an out-of-competition test on Sept 17 in Nagoya.

Pitchamon had been due to face China on Tuesday in the team event.

"The athlete is prevented from competing, training, coaching or participating in any activity during the Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026," the ITA said.

The agency noted that Pitchamon can challenge the provisional suspension at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Furosemide can be used by competitors to shed water rapidly for weight loss.

Adding to Thailand's disappointment, the women's volleyball team lost to rivals China in the semi-finals on Monday, missing out on a chance to compete for their first-ever Asian Games gold medal.

Mixed martial arts fighter Kanjutha Phattaraboonsorn will compete for gold after defeating Indonesia's Fahira Vallensia Hotmauli 3-0 to reach the final of the women's modern 54kg event on Monday.

Meanwhile, the men's badminton team defeated Macao 3-0 in their opening tie on Monday. They will face Taiwan in the quarter-finals on Tuesday.

In the women's event, the Thai team will face China in the quarter-finals on Tuesday.

In sepak takraw, the men's regu team beat Indonesia 3-0, while the women's team also defeated Indonesia 3-0 in their Group A tie.

However, boxer Bunjong Sinsiri lost 5-0 to India's Sumit Kundu.

Karate athlete Maneevan Butsawan secured a silver medal for Thailand on Sunday.

Her silver added to the three gold medals won earlier in the day by the teqball team.