LATEST: M'sian media confirm badminton star Lee Chong Wei's sample tests positive for steroid meds
Update:
At this afternoon's press conference, deputy president of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) Norza Zakaria confirmed that a player's B-sample tested positive for the banned anti-inflammatory steroid medication dexamethasone.
Malaysian media reports had earlier named world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei as the player who tested positive.
But Norza said at the press conference that they could not name the player yet. They will only do so after due process, which includes a hearing by Badminton World Federation.
“The result of the testing confirmed the existence of dexamethasone in the sample,” he said: “We are still not at liberty to reveal the name of the player.”
Reports that one of badminton’s top stars shocked followers of one of Asia’s most popular sports. The long-time number one has a reputation for humility and diligence.
Doping scandals are unusual in badminton - a sport where previous controversies stemmed mainly from judging inconsistencies and attempts to throw matches.
The date for that hearing has not been set, Norza said.
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Earlier report today:
Malaysian media confirmed that world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei's B sample has tested positive for dexamethasone.
Dexamethasone is an steroid medication, not a performance-enhancing drug.
The anti-inflammatory effects are usually used to aid an athlete’s rehabilitation, The Star newspaper reported.
Lee had been administered dexamethasone on July 17, to treat an inner thigh injury.
More to come
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) will make an official announcement during a press conference at 2pm today.
Lee, who went through a random dope test during the World Championships in Copenhagen on Aug 30, witnessed the seal of his B sample being opened at Oslo on Nov 5.
Source: The Star Online
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