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Former Indian cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar’s child, Anaya, formerly known as Aryan, has courageously shared her journey of self-discovery and gender transition. Now identifying as a transwoman, Anaya opened up about her experience with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on her Instagram.
In general, HRT is a treatment that replaces hormones that the body no longer produces in sufficient quantities. In the case of Anaya, HRT for male-male to female transition, also known as feminising hormone therapy, involves taking prescription medications to develop female secondary sex characteristics and suppress male ones.
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The 23-year-old reflects on how the therapy has reshaped not only her physical being but also her inner world. In one of her posts, she describes the transformation as one that lifted her from a place of deep sadness, suppression, and shame to finding true happiness and authenticity, marking her journey as one of resilience, acceptance, and self-love.
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On Physical, Emotional, And Professional Challenges
In one recent reel on Instagram, Anaya explained the changes she has been experiencing over the course of her transformation. “Losing strength but gaining happiness. Body changing, dysphoria easing… still a long way to go, but each step feels more like me," the caption read.
In another post, Anaya opens up about her lifelong passion for sports and the unique challenges she now encounters as a transwoman striving to excel in the field of cricket. She shared that she hadn’t expected to face the possibility of leaving behind the sport she’s loved for so long due to her decision to undergo sex reassignment surgery.
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“From a young age, cricket has always been a part of my life. Growing up, I watched my dad with awe as he represented and coached the country, and it wasn’t long before I started dreaming about following in his footsteps. The passion, the discipline, and the dedication he showed to the sport were deeply inspiring to me. Cricket became my love, my ambition, and my future. I’ve spent my entire life honing my skills, hoping that one day, I would get the chance to represent my country, just like him.
“I never thought I’d have to consider giving up the sport that has been my passion, my love, and my escape. But here I am, facing a painful reality. As a trans woman on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), my body has changed drastically. I’ve been losing the muscle mass, strength, muscle memory, and athletic abilities I once relied on. The game I’ve loved for so long is slipping away from me,” Anaya wrote in her post.
Aryan, now Anaya, is a left-handed batter and used to play for Islam Gymkhana in local club cricket. She also represented Hinckley Cricket Club in Leicestershire and scored several runs.
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In an extension to the same post, she then goes on to describe the ordeals of many transwomen who want to pursue cricket as a career but are often faced by many challenges.
"What hurts more is that there are no proper regulations for trans women in cricket. It feels like the system is forcing me out, not because I lack the drive or talent, but because the rules haven't caught up with the reality of who I am. My testosterone levels are down to 0.5 nmol, the lowest it can be for an average cisgender woman. Despite this, I still don't have a place to represent my country or play at a professional level as my authentic self.
"To make matters worse, the system says that to compete in women's sports, I should have transitioned before male puberty. But here's the contradiction: society and the legal system make it illegal to transition as a minor. So, what am I supposed to do? The system is forcing me into an impossible situation. Setting standards I couldn't have met even if I'd wanted to. It's heartbreaking that the body I've worked so hard, to align with my true self is now seen as a barrier to continuing my cricket journey in the women's category," she added.
She concludes by calling for inclusive policies that allow trans individuals to pursue both their identities and their passions. "Trans women deserve the right to compete, play, and thrive," she signs off passionately.
Image credit: Instagram/@anayabangar