Son of former India cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar, Aryan, recently captivated the internet with an inspiring transformation journey. Aryan, now known as Anaya following hormone replacement surgery, shared a 10-month progress reel that attracted massive attention before it was later removed. Currently based in Manchester, Anaya is actively working toward her dream of playing professional cricket, sharing glimpses of this journey with Indian cricket legends like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli.
Sanjay Bangar described this phase as challenging yet fulfilling, with Anaya reflecting, “The journey toward chasing my dream of professional cricket has been tough, filled with sacrifices, resilience, and total dedication. From early mornings on the field to overcoming doubts, every step demanded inner strength.” Beyond cricket, Anaya also shared her journey of self-discovery, explaining how embracing her true self involved letting go of her previous identity to become her authentic self.
Though Anaya remains passionate about cricket and currently plays for Islam Gymkhana in local leagues and Hinckley Cricket Club in Leicestershire, her aspirations were met with an obstacle in November 2023 when the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced a policy barring transgender athletes from competing in women’s cricket. ICC CEO Geoff Allardice clarified, stating, “While inclusivity is essential, the integrity and safety of international women’s cricket are our priority.” This decision deeply affected Sanjay Bangar‘s daughter, who expressed her disappointment on social media.
Fully embracing her identity, Anaya shared her thoughts in a detailed Instagram post, showing her dismay over the ICC’s policy change. As the daughter of Sanjay Anaya remains highly active on social media, using her platform to share insights on self-discovery and the unique challenges faced by transgender athletes in sports.
