Mumbai: Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar’s son, Aryan Bangar, has undergone gender affirmation surgery. Now, she identifies herself as Anaya Bangar. In a viral social media post, Anaya shared her journey of becoming a woman.
“Losing strength but gaining happiness. Body changing, dysphoria easing..
. still a long way to go, but each step feels more like me,” wrote Anaya on her social media handle. Twenty-three-year-old Anaya also underwent hormone replacement therapy.
Anaya, who currently lives in England, had played cricket for local club Islam Gymkhana. In a post a few months ago, Anaya opened up about her passion for cricket. She announced that she was giving up cricket as “there are no proper regulations for trans women in cricket.
” Anaya calls her father, Sanjay Bangar, who has played 12 tests and 15 one-day internationals for India, her biggest inspiration. “From a young age, cricket has always been a part of my life. Growing up, I watched my dad with awe as he represented and coached the country, and it wasn’t long before I started dreaming about following in his footsteps.
The passion, discipline and dedication he showed to the sport were deeply inspiring to me. Cricket became my love, my ambition and my future. I’ve spent my entire life honing my skills, hoping to someday represent my country, just like him.
I never thought I’d have to consider giving up the sport that has been my passion, love, and escape. But here I am, facing a painful reality.
