![\"'Wasn't](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-129717021,imgsize-49212,width-400,resizemode-4\/anaya-with-father-sanjay-bangar.jpg\" "\\"Anaya")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNEW DELHI: Anaya Bangar recently opened up about the gender-affirming surgery in Thailand and the emotional journey behind it. Sharing a heartfelt post with a picture from the hospital, Anaya highlighted how difficult the process was for everyone around, while also revealing father Sanjay Bangar<\/a>‘s role during this whole period. “This journey wasn’t easy\u2026 not just for me, but for my family too,” Anaya wrote in an Instagram post, making it clear that everyone went through a period of adjustment.<\/p>\n Watch<\/span><\/p>\n Ajit Agarkar knocks BCCI door, makes a huge extension request | World Cup<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Over time, Anaya said the family gradually came to terms with the transition, going through phases of “confusion, questions, and growth.” What stood out most to Anaya was father Sanjay\u2019s presence during such a crucial moment. “To have my father beside me through one of the most important moments of my life means everything,” Anaya said. Though his support wasn\u2019t immediate, Anaya described it as becoming “real, unconditional, and strong.” Anaya summed up the experience by saying, “Growth takes time. Love takes time. But when it comes, it’s worth everything,” showing how patience played a key role in their bond strengthening.Before the transition, Anaya was known as Aryan and had followed a path in cricket<\/a>, playing at competitive levels and representing Mumbai in Under-16 cricket and Pondicherry in Under-19 matches, and even appearing in Mumbai\u2019s Under-23 trials.Looking back at the childhood, Anaya shared how it always felt different. “When I was around eight or nine years old, I used to sneak into my mother’s room, wear her clothes, look in the mirror and say I’m a girl,” Anaya had earlier recalled, showing that the journey of self-identity began very early in life.<\/p>\n