BANGKOK (AFP) – Thai Badminton star Ratchanok Intanon broke down in tears and spoke of her relief Monday after being cleared of doping, ending fears her Olympic dreams had been scuppered.
The 21-year-old shuttler, who is beloved in Thailand and remains the kingdom’s best chance for a medal in Rio, tested positive for a banned substance in May after a tournament in China.
But the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Monday cleared her after ruling that the substance had been administered to treat a tendon injury and was allowed.
“I was confident in my innocence and I am glad that I received justice. I will practise and hope to bring a medal back for Thais,’’ she told reporters at a press conference in Bangkok.
“The Olympics is my dream,’’ she added, before bursting into tears.