Who is Anaya Bangar? Sanjay Bangar’s Daughter Shares Her Inspiring Gender Transition and Cricket Journey
Image source:IG/ anayabangar
Anaya Bangar, formerly known as Aryan, the child of ex-India cricketer Sanjay Bangar, has shared her story of gender affirmation, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the struggles of being a transgender athlete in cricket.
Image source:IG/ anayabangar
Identity Journey: Anaya, who transitioned from Aryan through gender-affirming surgery, has openly documented her experience with HRT on social media, detailing both physical and emotional challenges.
Impact on Athleticism: The treatment affected her muscle mass and athletic capabilities, making her reconsider her place in professional cricket.
Image source:IG/ anayabangar
Name: Anaya Bangar (formerly Aryan Bangar)
Age: 23 (as of 2024)
Profession: Cricketer
Nationality: Indian
Image source:IG/ anayabangar
As a left-handed batter, Anaya previously played for clubs like Islam Gymkhana and Hinckley Cricket Club in Leicestershire, even scoring an impressive 145 runs in one match.
Despite her talent, Anaya faces exclusion due to regulations from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) that limit trans women’s participation in elite women’s cricket.
Image source:IG/ anayabangar
Calls for Inclusivity: Anaya has urged cricket boards to adopt policies that better reflect the realities of transgender athletes. Anaya emphasizes that many talented individuals are sidelined by outdated regulations.
A Voice for Change: Residing in Manchester, Anaya remains active at the local level and advocates for more inclusive spaces in sports, hoping her journey can inspire and bring attention to transgender issues in athletics.
