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Agence France-Presse

Thai Badminton star Ratchanok Intanon broke down in tears and spoke of her relief on Monday after being cleared of doping, ending fears her Olympic Games 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 de Janeiro, tested positive for a banned substance in May after a tournament in China.
But the Badminton World Federation (BWF) on 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.
Rumours of the positive test result first surfaced in the Thai media last week, leaving fans on tenterhooks.
In a statement published on Monday, the BWF said Ratchanok tested positive for triamcinolone acetonide, a corticosteroid which is banned in most circumstances.
However if administered directly into a muscle tendon for medical reasons it is allowed under the BWF’s rules.

“The panel concluded that because the route of administration of the substance in the medical treatment process was intratendinous – an authorised administration route – no violation of the regulations was committed,” the BWF said.
Patama Leeswadtrakul, president of the Badminton Association of Thailand, said doctors had been treating Ratchanok for pain in her right hand and back.
“We said it was used honestly to cure her injuries,” she told reporters.

The 21-year-old star has charmed the Thai public – who affectionately call her Nong May – with her girl-next-door demeanour despite the fame and riches of sporting success.
In 2013 she became the youngest ever world champion and she was briefly ranked number one after winning the Singapore Open in April, but has since slipped to fourth.
A medal favourite in Rio, she will carry the Olympic hopes of a country with few top-class athletes.

She has caught the imagination of Thais as much for her rags to riches back story as on-court heroics.
Her parents are migrants to Bangkok from the country’s poor northeast who worked in menial jobs at a badminton centre on the outskirts of the city.
While they worked, Ratchanok played badminton unlocking her talent at the age of six.
In a recent interview with AFP in Bangkok she said she was “100 per cent confident” of bringing home a medal from the Rio Olympics.




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Rio 2016 Olympic Games

In the clear: Tearful Thailand badminton star Ratchanok Intanon ready for Olympic Games after doping ruling

Thailand'sRatchanok Intanon cries during a news conference at a hotel in Bangkok. Photo: Reuters

Thailand's badminton player Ratchanok Intanon, who hopes to win gold at the Rio Olympics, hits a shot during an afternoon training session at a gym in Bangkok, Thailand, June 22, 2016. Picture taken June 22, 2016. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

Thailand's badminton player and Olympics hope Ratchanok Intanon speaks during a news conference at a hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, July 18, 2016. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

Thailand's badminton player Ratchanok Intanon (C), who hopes to win gold at the Rio Olympics, walks pass her advertisement banner at a gym in Bangkok, Thailand, June 22, 2016. Picture taken June 22, 2016. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

Thai Olympic badminton hopeful Ratchanok Intanon (C) holds papers clearing her name during a press conference regarding recent doping allegations in Bangkok on July 18, 2016. Thai Badminton star Ratchanok Intanon broke down in tears and spoke of her relief Monday after authorities cleared her of doping, ending a brief scare that many had feared would scupper her Olympic dreams. / AFP PHOTO / LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA

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The 21-year-old tested positive for a banned substance in May after a tournament in China, but has now been given the green light to head to Rio de Janeiro


In the clear: Tearful Thailand badminton star Ratchanok Intanon ready for Olympic Games after doping ruling

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The 21-year-old tested positive for a banned substance in May after a tournament in China, but has now been given the green light to head to Rio de Janeiro

The 21-year-old tested positive for a banned substance in May after a tournament in China, but has now been given the green light to head to Rio de Janeiro