Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar’s son, Aryan, recently made headlines by sharing a deeply personal journey that has captivated the online world. Aryan, who also plays cricket, revealed that he has undergone a significant transformation in both identity and spirit. Ten months after undergoing hormone replacement therapy, Aryan announced that he now identifies as a trans person and has adopted the name Anaya.
Sharing an emotional Instagram reel, Anaya took fans through her journey, capturing years of self-discovery and courage to embrace her true identity. In her heartfelt Instagram post, Anaya expressed the profound dual journey she’s been on: one as a budding cricketer and the other as a person in search of authenticity.
“Chasing my dream of playing cricket professionally has been a journey filled with sacrifices, resilience, and unwavering dedication. From early mornings on the field to facing the doubts and judgments of others, every step has demanded strength,” she wrote.
ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma To Miss Initial Australia Tour Due To Family Reasons, Likely For First Test
The post continued, “But beyond the game, I had another journey. A path of self-discovery and countless challenges. Embracing my true self meant making hard choices, letting go of the comfort of fitting in, and standing up for who I am, even when it wasn’t easy.”
Sanjay Bangar’s son undergoes harmone replacement surgery.
Aryan becomes Anaya!
Have a look at Ananya’s instagram post!#Cricket #CricketTwitter #SanjayBangar pic.twitter.com/esePJjf4Ua
— Amit T (@amittalwalkar) November 10, 2024
With pride and strength, Anaya concluded, “Today, I’m proud to be part of the sport I love at any level or category, not only as an athlete but as my authentic self. The road hasn’t been easy, but finding my true self has been the greatest victory of all.”
However, Anaya’s story comes at a time when the International Cricket Council (ICC) has clarified its stance on transgender athletes in women’s international cricket. In November 2023, ICC CEO Geoff Allardice announced a policy prohibiting transgender athletes from participating in international women’s matches, citing concerns about integrity and player safety.
ALSO READ: Jasprit Bumrah will lead India if Rohit Sharma is unavailable, says Coach Gautam Gambhir
“Inclusivity is incredibly important to us as a sport, but our priority was to protect the integrity of the international women’s game and the safety of players,” Allardice told ESPNcricinfo.
For Anaya, the journey may have its unique challenges, yet her story underscores a growing conversation in sports about inclusion, identity, and the evolving path toward acceptance.
