Sanjay Bangar’s Daughter Anaya Completes Gender-Affirming Surgery In Thailand, Calls Father’s Support ‘Real And Unconditional’

Anaya Bangar, daughter of former India batting coach and cricketer Sanjay Bangar, has shared that she successfully underwent gender-affirming surgery in Thailand. She announced the news on social media, posting a photo from the hospital where her father was by her side. In her post, Anaya was candid about how difficult the road had been for herself and for her family.

“This journey wasn’t easy not just for me, but for my family too. Understanding, accepting, and standing by me took time. It wasn’t instant. There were moments of confusion, questions, and growth for all of us. But today, standing here, I’m filled with nothing but gratitude,” she wrote.

She went on to speak directly about what her father’s presence meant to her at that moment. “To have my father beside me through one of the most important moments of my life means everything. His support didn’t come overnight but when it did, it was real, unconditional, and strong. This surgery was a big step for me, but having him with me made it feel possible. Growth takes time. Love takes time. But when it comes, it’s worth everything. Grateful. Always.”

From Aryan to Anaya

Anaya was assigned male at birth and previously known as Aryan. Before her transition, she had pursued cricket, playing in Mumbai’s Under-16 setup and appearing in Pondicherry Under-19 and Mumbai Under-23 trials.

Her transition became more public in 2023, when she began Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and started sharing parts of the process on social media. The physical changes that came with HRT also affected her ability to compete in cricket at the same level she had previously.

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In a conversation with Lallantop, India Today’s sister platform, Anaya spoke openly about her journey including instances of harassment she faced within the sporting space, alongside the support she received during that period.