Anaya Bangar takes a drastic step, to undergo a gender-affirming surgery

Anaya Bangar [Source: @ImTanujSingh/x]

Anaya Bangar, child of former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar, is set to undergo a gender-affirming surgery. It is worth noting that much like Sanjay, Anaya also pursued cricket in India.

Anaya is also a trans-rights activist, and has previously revealed that she has full support of her parents. She further confirmed that her father Sanjay will be bearing the complete cost of the surgery.

Anaya Bangar to undergo vaginoplasty in March

During an interview with The Times of India, Anaya Bangar confirmed that she will be undergoing a gender-affirming surgery (vaginoplasty) next month in March. She admitted to receiving the necessary guidance from fashion designer Saisha Shinde and actress Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju since the two have previously undergone the procedure.

Anaya further confirmed that she will not be able to play cricket after the surgery for at least the next six months, and will be required a month’s worth of rest. She added that she will be performing her surgery at a clinic in Thailand, and will receive full financial assistance from father Sanjay Bangar.

Explaining her decision to undergo the gender-affirming surgery, Anaya Bangar said “I've waited for this moment for five years. This is who I am. I never felt aligned with the gender I was born with. The decision to undergo the gender-affirming surgery came after years of therapy, medical evaluations and deep self-reflection. I went through extensive psychological and medical assessments to ensure I'm ready.”

Who is Anaya Bangar?

Anaya is an Indian trans cricketer and the child of Sanjay Bangar. Born Aryan, Anaya underwent a dramatic transformation a few years ago.

In a candid interview with Lallantop, she alleged facing harassment from fellow players while pursuing cricket. Advised to step away from the game by her father and former India all-rounder, Anaya became a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Up until recently, she was working as a graphic designer in England.

Recalling a particular incident pertaining to cricket, Anaya said that one particular cricketer used to hurl insults at her in public. However, the same cricketer would then sit beside her and ask for personal photos.

Anaya to return to cricket by end of this year

Anaya, also an aspiring cricketer with an ambition to make a pathway for other trans cricketers in the world, will be stepping away from the field. As confirmed by herself, her surgery in Thailand will prompt her to take a break from cricket for six months.

Following the surgery in March, Anaya will be expected to return to cricket and pursue her ambitions from around September or October later this year.

All in all, Anaya Bangar’s journey reflects resilience forged through adversity and self-acceptance. Her decision to live authentically, despite social and sporting barriers, continues to inspire conversations around inclusion in Indian cricket.

Her story now stands as inspiration for aspiring athletes across all sports navigating through similar hardships in their respective journeys.