Chong Wei’s B sample tests positive, suspension looms for world badminton champ

World badminton No.1 Datuk Lee Chong Wei's B sample has tested positive for dexamethasone, threatening the career of one of Malaysia's greatest sportsmen.

The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) will make an official announcement in a press conference at 2pm at BAM headquarters in Bukit Kiara, The Star reported today.

Chong Wei went through a random dope test during the World Championships in Copenhagen on August 30. He flew to Norway to witness the seal of his B sample being opened at Oslo on November 5.

He faces a two-year ban but will get a chance for a hearing with the Badminton World Federation (BWF), in a date to be announced soon.

It was reported that Chong Wei had been implicated in the scandal after traces of dexamethasone were found in his urine (A sample) during a random test conducted at the World Championships.

Dexamethasone is a type of steroid medication with anti-inflammatory effects usually used to aid an athlete’s rehabilitation.

Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin was previously reported as saying that a thorough investigation on the shuttler’s recent medical history revealed that the drug was administered into his body on July 17 to treat his thigh injury.

“We are looking at another test right now. The athlete had taken an out-of-competition dope test on August 15 in Malaysia and it was conducted by Wada (World Anti-Doping Agency) before he left to compete in the World Championships in Copenhagen,” Khairy told The Star.

He said that various independent tests were also being carried out by the National Sports Institute (NSI).

The NSI, he said, had also conducted tests on the athlete’s supplements and drinks, his bird’s nest consumption and even his hair gel.

“We want to be as thorough as possible,” said Khairy. – November 8, 2014.