Former India cricketer and ex-batting coach Sanjay Bangar’s daughter, Anaya Bangar, is set to undergo gender-affirming surgery in March, marking a deeply personal and transformative milestone in her life. Anaya, who has been vocal about her journey as a transgender woman, has shared that her family—especially her parents—now fully supports her decision, with Sanjay Bangar bearing the complete cost of the surgery.
Anaya has spoken candidly about her experience of self-discovery, transition, and the emotional journey that led her to this decision. She revealed that while her younger brother Atharva had always been a strong pillar of support, it took time for her parents to fully understand and accept her reality. Today, however, she says their support means everything to her.
According to Anaya, she will undergo vaginoplasty at a clinic in Thailand, the same medical facility where well-known transgender personalities such as fashion designer Saisha Shinde and actress Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju had their procedures. Their guidance helped her prepare mentally and emotionally for the surgery. Following the procedure, Anaya will be required to stay in Thailand for at least a month for recovery and medical supervision, followed by an extended period of rest.
“This is something I have waited for over five years,” Anaya shared in an interview. “This is who I am. I never felt aligned with the gender I was born with. The decision to undergo gender-affirming surgery didn’t happen overnight. It came after years of therapy, medical evaluations, and deep self-reflection.” She added that she went through extensive psychological and medical assessments to ensure she was fully prepared—both mentally and physically—for the procedure.
Anaya also acknowledged that the surgery would temporarily affect her cricketing aspirations. She will not be able to play cricket for at least six months following the operation. Despite this setback, she expressed relief and happiness that she is finally taking this step toward living authentically.
In the past, Anaya had spoken about the challenges she faced within the sport, including remarks allegedly made by her father suggesting that she had limited chances of succeeding in cricket. Despite these struggles, she has continued to advocate for greater inclusion of transgender athletes in international cricket and sports in general, emphasizing the need for empathy, understanding, and fair policies.
Reflecting on the shift in her parents’ mindset, Anaya explained that public support played a significant role. “I received immense support from people and was in a better place financially too. My father saw people standing by me, taking pictures with me, and respecting me. Both my parents realized this wasn’t a phase. They saw that I was serious about my life and my choices,” she said.
This realization eventually led to her parents offering unconditional support. Sanjay Bangar’s decision to bear the entire cost of her surgery stands as a powerful statement of acceptance and love. Anaya recalled a time when she had to manage everything on her own while living in the UK, highlighting the stigma that still surrounds LGBTQ+ individuals within families, particularly in South Asian societies.
“There is still a lot of stigma around LGBTQ+ people within families,” Anaya said. “I hope that by speaking out and by my family supporting me, it will help other trans women. It could make these conversations easier in someone else’s home.”
In a country like India, where discussions around gender identity often remain difficult and uncomfortable within households, Anaya believes her parents’ support sends a strong message. She hopes her story encourages families to listen, learn, and stand by their children, regardless of societal pressures.
For Anaya, this surgery is not just a medical procedure—it represents years of patience, struggle, resilience, and hope. With her family finally standing firmly beside her, she is stepping into a new chapter of her life with confidence, authenticity, and a sense of belonging she has long waited for.
