Myanmar Soccer Player Prays At Buddhist Temple
A member of Myanmar's national soccer squad who made a protest gesture against a military crackdown before a match has visited a Buddhist temple in Japan to pray for the safety of his family in his home country.
Pyae Lyan Aung displayed a three-finger salute before a World Cup qualifier match in Japan last month to protest the deadly crackdown that has been launched by Myanmar's military on civilians since a coup in February.
He refused to fly back home with his teammates last Wednesday. He expressed intent to seek asylum in Japan, saying he could be punished if he returns to Myanmar.
On Sunday, Pyae Lyan Aung went to a temple in Japan's western prefecture of Osaka, where he has been staying.
He offered prayers for the victims of the crackdown. He was seen putting his palms together and wiping tears off his face while the chief priest was reading a sutra aloud.
Pyae Lyan Aung said he also prayed for an early return of peace to Myanmar. He called on people in Japan to give support to that end.