Anaya Bangar, daughter of former Indian cricketer and ex-batting coach Sanjay Bangar, has revealed that she is set to undergo gender-affirming surgery in March. Open about her transition journey, Anaya shared that her parents have now fully embraced and supported her decision, with her father stepping forward to bear the complete cost of the procedure.
Speaking to Times of India, Anaya confirmed that she will undergo vaginoplasty at a clinic in Thailand, where she will need to stay for at least a month post-surgery. Fashion designer Saisha Shinde and actor Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju, both of whom have undergone similar procedures, guided her through the process.
“I will be undergoing gender-affirming surgery in March. I’ll need to stay in Thailand for about a month, followed by a recovery period. I won’t be able to play cricket for at least six months, but I’m relieved and happy that this is finally happening,” Anaya shared.
“This Is Who I Am”
Anaya reflected on the emotional and medical journey that led her to this decision, revealing that it came after years of therapy, evaluations, and self-reflection.
“I’ve waited five years for this moment. I never felt aligned with the gender I was assigned at birth. This decision was not sudden—it came after extensive psychological and medical assessments to ensure I was fully prepared,” she explained.
While Anaya has previously spoken about the challenges she faced within the cricketing ecosystem, including being told that her chances of success were limited, she has continued to advocate for greater inclusion of transgender athletes in sports.
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Anaya revealed that while her younger brother Atharva has always stood by her, her parents took time to understand her journey.
“People began supporting me publicly. They took pictures with me, respected me, and stood by me. That’s when my parents realised this wasn’t a phase—it was my life,” she said.
According to Anaya, witnessing her confidence, independence, and growing acceptance helped her parents come around. She confirmed that her father, Sanjay Bangar, will bear the entire expense of her surgery.
“My parents now fully support me. In a society where conversations around gender identity can be extremely difficult within families, this means everything to me,” she added.
Hoping Her Story Helps Others
Anaya hopes that her openness, along with her family’s support, will help create safer conversations for other transgender individuals in India.
“There is still a lot of stigma around LGBTQ+ identities within families. If my story helps even one trans woman feel supported at home, it’s worth it,” she said.
