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‘Will She Be Able to Represent Women’s Cricket?’ Netizen Reacts to Sanjay Bangar’s Son Aryan Bangar’s Sex Change Operation

Aryan Bangar, Now Anaya, Shares Her Transition Journey, Sparking Discussions Online; Netizens React to Sanjay Bangar’s Son’s Sex Change Operation

Harsh

Image Credit: Instagram
Image Credit: Instagram

Aryan Bangar: Former Indian cricketer and commentator Sanjay Bangar is making headlines due to his son Aryan’s journey to becoming Anaya. Recently, Sanjay Bangar’s son underwent a sex change operation, emerging as Anaya, and shared her journey on social media. Her story quickly went viral, drawing a wave of reactions from netizens across platforms.

Anaya Shares Her Journey: From Strength Loss to Gaining Happiness

Aryan, now Anaya, introduced her new identity on Instagram through her account, “anayabangar.” In a heartfelt post, she expressed, “Losing strength but gaining happiness. Body changing, dysphoria easing… still a long way to go, but each step feels more like me.” Anaya also documented the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) over the past 11 months, showing the transformation in her body, strength, and overall happiness.

Social media platforms, including accounts like “InstantBollywood,” shared Anaya’s journey, attracting mixed responses from netizens. While some appreciated her authenticity, others expressed curiosity about her potential in women’s cricket, given her background.

Netizens React with Mixed Comments

Sanjay Bangar Son
Image Credit: Instagram/instantbollywood

The comments section on Anaya’s posts reflects a range of perspectives. One user shared, “Arrey, such a handsome kid. But whatever makes him happy.” Another comment read, “Will she be able to represent in women’s cricket? Just a thought for discussion.” Others offered support, with one stating, “She looks fabulous,” while another joked, “I'm a bit jealous after seeing her.” Comments highlighting generational shifts were also prevalent, such as, “Parents are helpless in a situation like this. It’s another generation.”

Anaya’s Love for Cricket and Challenges as a Transgender Athlete

In an earlier post from August 2023, Anaya opened up about her lifelong connection to cricket. "From a young age, cricket has always been a part of my life," she shared. "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." She further expressed that cricket became her passion, and she dedicated her life to preparing to represent her country, just like Sanjay Bangar.

However, with her transition journey, Anaya has encountered challenges that complicate her dream. She revealed, "As a trans woman on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), my body has changed drastically. I’ve been losing the muscle mass, strength, and athletic abilities I once relied on. The game I’ve loved for so long is slipping away from me." Anaya also highlighted the systemic hurdles for transgender athletes, explaining that competing in women’s cricket requires transitioning before male puberty, a standard that current laws make impossible for minors.

Cricket Board’s Stance and Future Prospects for Transgender Athletes

Currently, Anaya is living in Manchester, England. Recently, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced that, starting in the 2025 season, transgender women will not be eligible to participate in the top two tiers of women’s domestic cricket or in the women’s Hundred tournament. This decision has led to further conversations about transgender athletes and the sports industry’s inclusivity.

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