Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon cleared of doping violation

Bangkok: World number four Ratchanok Intanon has been cleared of an anti-doping violation, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) said in a statement on Monday, paving the way for the Thai medal hope to compete at the Rio Olympics.

Ratchanok had been given a provisional suspension on July 13 after reports that she had failed a dope test during the Uber Cup tournament in China in May. A second sample taken from Ratchanok was sent to Japan for testing and a hearing process by badminton’s governing body began following Ratchanok’s suspension.

“The Panel concluded that no violation of the regulations was committed,” the BWF said in a statement.

Badminton’s governing body lifted the suspension, allowing Ratchanok to take part in competitions with immediate effect. At a news conference in Bangkok on Monday, Ratchanok said she was happy to have been proven innocent.

“I didn’t do anything wrong and I am confident in the decision of the BWF. I’m happy I received justice,” Ratchanok said.

Ratchanok’s team had said she received an injection during the China tournament in May to treat a knee injury and that could have been the reason for her sample initially testing positive.

The 21-year-old will be among Thailand’s main medal hopes in Rio and one of the chief threats to China’s chances of defending their sweep of all five badminton titles at the London Games.