Other Bangar stories: Cricketer, courage, and the search for identity|
Anaya Bangar is the daughter of former Indian cricketer and coach Sanjay Bangar. Earlier his name was Aryan and he was a boy but after gender reaffirming surgery he adopted his real identity – Anaya. He now lives in UK and his story is about a courageous transformation and challenging cricket journey.
“I am a girl, I want to become a girl”
In the interview, Anaya said that he first realized his gender identity at the age of 8-9 years.
“I used to take out clothes from my mother’s cupboard and wear them, and say to myself in the mirror – I am a girl, I want to become a girl”.
These feelings were inside her for a long time, but it was very difficult to openly accept her identity in a macho sport like cricket.
Cricket and Toxic Masculinity
Anaya has played cricket with popular cricketers like MMusheer Khan, Sarfaraz Khan, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. But she told that there is a lot of toxic masculinity and insecurity in the cricket world.
“I had to hide my identity, because Papa is not well known in the cricket world.”
Harassment and Challenges
After the surgery, he got support as well as harassment. Some cricketers started sending nude photos without any reason. And one person used to abuse him in front of everyone, but later asked for photos. One cricketer said: “Let’s go to the car, I want to sleep with you.” All these incidents tell that transgenders have to struggle not only with identity but also with society.
Status of Cricket Career
Anaya has played cricket for Isla Gymkhana in India and Hinckley Cricket Club in UK. He has undeniable talent, but the challenges have increased even more at the international level. In November 2023, the ICC decided that: “Transgender athletes can no longer participate in women’s international cricket.” This decision has made the dreams of players like Anaaya a little more difficult.
A message for the society
Anaya’s journey is a reminder to all of us – that every person has the right to express their identity, without any judgement or harassment. In a world like sports, there should be inclusivity, not just a competition of physical strength.
