Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar’s child has revealed a personal transformation that has drawn attention across sports and society.

source: IG/ anayabangar

Known previously as Aryan, they now identify as Anaya and have documented their hormon al-therapy process in a heartfelt social-media post.

source: IG/ anayabangar

The young athlete lives in Manchester, England, and previously played club cricket in India and the UK — inspired by their father’s career.

source: IG/ anayabangar

Anaya shared that in just under a year, their physical body, identity and self-expression all shifted in ways both challenging and liberating.

source: IG/ anayabangar

Openly speaking about their journey, Anaya said the emotional change has been profound: “Every step is closer to being myself,” they wrote.

source: IG/ anayabangar

But the road wasn’t easy. Their father urged them to reconsider continuing cricket professionally, stating the system didn’t have room for a trans-woman in that field.

source: IG/ anayabangar

Anaya’s story raises broader issues about inclusion in sport, the impact of hormone-replacement therapy and the challenge of pursuing dreams while authentic to one’s identity.

source: IG/ anayabangar

This is more than a story of transition — it’s about courage, resilience, and carving space for oneself in places where norms were rigid.

source: IG/ anayabangar

52-year-old Bangar has won 12 Tests and 15 ODI matches for India, during which he took 650 runs and 14 wickets