Aryan’s journey: From Aryan to Anaya

 Aryan’s journey: From Aryan to Anaya

Anaya Bangar, formerly known as Aryan Bangar, is the 23-year-old child of former Indian cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar. Following in her father's footsteps, Aryan was a left-handed batter who played for Islam Gymkhana in Mumbai's local club cricket and later represented Hinckley Cricket Club in Leicestershire. 

In November 2024, Anaya publicly shared her journey of self-discovery and gender transition. She underwent a 10-month hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to align her physical self with her gender identity. During this period, she experienced significant changes, including a reduction in muscle mass and strength, which impacted her cricketing abilities. Anaya expressed the emotional challenge of potentially giving up the sport she had dedicated her life to, stating, "As a trans woman on HRT, my body changed drastically. I've been losing the muscle mass, strength, muscle memory, and athletic abilities I once relied on. The game I've loved for so long is slipping away from me." 

Despite these challenges, Anaya remains passionate about cricket and advocates for inclusive policies that allow transgender individuals to participate in sports without compromising their identity. Her journey highlights the intersection of personal identity and professional aspirations, shedding light on the need for supportive environments in sports for transgender athletes.

Aryan Bangar, child of former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar, now identified as a transgender woman, has shared her journey of transforming to Anaya Bangar. The video of her transformation journey has recently taken the internet by storm.11 Nov 2024

Recently, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar has been making headlines not because of his career, but because of a deeply personal matter within his family. His child, Aryan Bangar, now ‘Anaya Bangar’ has transitioned, now living as a transgender woman. Anaya’s journey is being shared openly on social media, and as presented by various media outlets, has touched many. 

Aryan’s journey: From Aryan to Anaya

Aryan Bangar, now 23, has been going through hormone replacement therapy ( HRT) for the past 11 months, which has led to significantly visible physical changes. As a major part of this transition, Aryan has adopted the name Anaya, and she now identifies as a transgender woman, as posted on her socials, including on her Instagram page (@anayabangar), where she has been seen updating about all important things going on related to her transition.

Anaya has been open about the difficulties of transitioning. She recently posted on social media, saying, “Losing strength but gaining happiness. My body is changing, dysphoria easing… still a long way to go, but each step feels more like me.” In these words, she beautifully captured the emotional complexity of her journey- - facing physical changes while feeling more at peace by making her outside look match who she really is and feels internally.A family legacy: Cricket

Anaya’s love for cricket runs in her blood. Growing up, she was incredibly inspired by her father, Sanjay Banger who played for India in both Tests and One-Day Internationals. Watching him represent the country left a deep impression on Anaya. Cricket wasn’t just a sport- - it was a dream she hoped to follow and achieve success in, walking in the footsteps of her father.

As per reports, unfortunately, Anaya’s transition has made that dream difficult to come true. The hormone therapy has significantly impacted her strength and muscle mass, making it much tougher to maintain the athletic abilities she once had. As she accepts who she truly is, she has to give up some of the physical skills needed to play cricket professionally.

Anaya’s story shows the struggles transgender athletes face. Even though her testosterone levels are like those of cisgender women, some sports rules still make it harder for transgender women to compete.

As explained by Anaya, The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) recently made a new rule that stops transgender women who went through male puberty from playing top-level women’s cricket, starting in 2025. This has made Anaya significantly disheartened. She says that even though she’s transitioned and has hormone levels like other women, the rules still keep her from playing. In her own words, “The system is forcing me out, not because I lack the drive or talent, but because the rules haven’t caught up with the reality of who I am.”Continuing to play cricket