Breaking barriers: Ruchika Gupta on redefining wellness and sports leadership

Ruchika Gupta is a trailblazing entrepreneur at the intersection of fitness, nutrition, and technology. As the Founder & CEO of Health Click Away, the world’s first AI-powered marketplace for health coaches, and the co-owner of Australia Masters in the International Masters League (IML), she is on a mission to make wellness accessible and transformative.

With India and Australia sharing an enduring bond through cricket, Gupta’s entry into team ownership isn’t just about the game—it’s about using cricket as a platform to advocate for nutrition, fitness, and performance longevity. Her latest partnership with IML is an extension of this vision, inspiring individuals to adopt the mindset of elite athletes in their daily lives. In a traditionally male-dominated space, she stands out as a leader, proving that passion, discipline, and innovation can redefine industries.

In this conversation, Ruchika Gupta, Founder & CEO of Health Click Away, and Co-owner of Australia Masters, shares insights on her entrepreneurial journey, the synergy between health-tech and sports, and her vision for empowering individuals—especially women—to take charge of their fitness, no matter their background, age, or routine.

You’ve built a successful health-tech venture with Health Click Away. What inspired your transition into the world of cricket as a co-owner of Australia Masters in the International Masters League (IML)?

Being an Indian, cricket has been very close to my heart. My journey into cricket ownership isn't a complete departure from my focus on health and well-being; it's an extension of it. I've always been passionate about the power of sports to inspire and motivate. The International Masters League (IML), with its focus on veteran players, embodies resilience and the enduring spirit of sports on a global stage. I saw an opportunity to combine my passion for health with my love for cricket, creating a platform to promote a healthy lifestyle on a larger scale.

It wasn’t just about owning a team; it was about using a sport I love to amplify a message I live by, that ‘age, background, or routine should never be barriers to an active and healthy lifestyle’. Cricket is a language that unites millions, and through this platform, I see an opportunity to bridge the worlds of fitness, sport, and longevity in a way that feels impactful.

How has your experience as an entrepreneur in the fitness and wellness space influenced your approach to managing a cricket team?

My journey as an entrepreneur in the fitness and wellness space has deeply shaped my approach to managing a cricket team. At Health Click Away, our core belief is that health isn’t just about physical fitness—it’s about sustainability, mindset, and long-term well-being. I’ve carried the same philosophy into cricket management, focusing not just on performance but on holistic player health—physical, mental, and emotional.

More than that, my entrepreneurial experience has reinforced the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and strategic thinking—all crucial elements in both business and sports. Just as we tailor fitness solutions to individual needs, we approach the team with personalized strategies, ensuring each player is supported in a way that maximizes their potential. At the end of the day, whether it’s building a company or managing a cricket team, it’s all about creating an environment where people can thrive and perform at their best.

You emphasize that health and performance go hand in hand. How can cricket serve as a platform to inspire people to prioritize fitness, nutrition, and overall well-being?

Cricket, with its global reach of 2.5 billion participants, is more than just a sport—it’s a movement that unites people across cultures, making it a powerful platform to inspire healthier lifestyles. It’s a game that demands fitness, strength, endurance, and mental resilience, all of which align with the core principles of overall well-being.

While professional athletes follow rigorous training and nutrition routines, the essence of their discipline is something everyone can incorporate. Simple steps like staying active, eating a balanced diet, prioritizing hydration, and maintaining a structured routine can make a huge difference.

Do you see an opportunity to integrate Health Click Away’s technology and services with the fitness and wellness routines of cricketers and sports professionals?

Absolutely. Health Click Away has the potential to seamlessly integrate with the fitness and wellness routines of cricketers and sports professionals by complementing existing sports technology innovations like wearable devices, AI-driven performance analytics, and real-time health monitoring.

Through our platform, athletes can connect with expert nutritionists and fitness coaches who provide personalized meal plans, hydration strategies, and recovery protocols tailored to their performance needs. For example, a cricketer tracking their caloric expenditure and hydration levels through a wearable device can use Health Click Away to connect with a sports nutritionist who fine-tunes their diet based on real-time data.

Cricket is deeply ingrained in both Indian and Australian cultures. How does this partnership strengthen the connection between the two nations beyond the game itself?

Cricket has long been a bridge between India and Australia, fostering not just competition but deep-rooted camaraderie. This partnership goes beyond the sport—it strengthens cultural ties, tourism, and bilateral relations.

Historically, India's cricket tours to Australia have significantly boosted tourism and cultural exchange, with thousands of Indian fans traveling to Australia, contributing to the local economy and strengthening people-to-people connections. Similarly, Australian cricketers have built a massive fan base in India, inspiring young players and further deepening the shared passion for the game.

Through this collaboration with Australia Masters, we aim to extend this connection beyond the stadiums—integrating health, fitness, and mentorship into the mix. By bringing together veteran players, aspiring athletes, and global health experts, we’re creating a platform that not only celebrates cricket but also empowers individuals to embrace a healthier lifestyle, drawing inspiration from the discipline and resilience of the game.

What unique strategies or values are you bringing to Australia Masters that set it apart from other teams?

At Australia Masters, we are not just building a team—we are fostering a culture of resilience, unity, and visibility. What sets us apart is our commitment to supporting our players beyond just ownership. We are actively involved, standing by them not just in victories but in every challenge, ensuring they feel valued, motivated, and empowered.

One of our core strategies is to make every player’s journey visible and impactful. We’re leveraging digital platforms, media engagement, and community outreach to bring their stories to the forefront—highlighting their dedication, experience, and the message that age is never a barrier to excellence.

Beyond the game, we are focused on legacy-building. Many veteran cricketers want to give back to the sport, and we aim to provide a structured platform for mentorship and knowledge-sharing, connecting them with aspiring players worldwide through Health Click Away.

In short, Australia Masters is not just a team—it’s a movement that embodies teamwork, visibility, and long-term impact, ensuring our players are recognized, supported, and celebrated in ways that go beyond the scoreboard.

With your dual roles as a tech entrepreneur and cricket team co-owner, what’s next for you in both fields? Any upcoming ventures or initiatives we should watch out for?

My journey as a tech entrepreneur and cricket team co-owner is driven by a shared vision—making health, fitness, and sports more accessible and impactful. With Health Click Away, the focus is on expanding our global reach, integrating expert coaches, and bridging the gap between everyday individuals and top-tier guidance. In cricket, we’re looking beyond just ownership; we want to create meaningful engagement by supporting veteran players and building pathways for aspiring athletes to connect with legends. The goal is to bring technology and sports closer together, making expert knowledge, training, and wellness accessible to all. Exciting collaborations and innovations are on the horizon, and I’m eager to see both ventures grow in ways that empower people worldwide. There are talks on our next ventures but it's very early stage.

As a woman entrepreneur in the health-tech and sports industry—both traditionally male-dominated spaces—what challenges have you faced, and how have you navigated them to build Health Click Away and co-own Australia Masters in IML?

Being a woman in male-dominated industries like health-tech and sports means your capabilities are often underestimated. But I’ve learned to let my work speak for itself—credibility comes through results. Balancing personal and professional life is tough, but instead of seeing it as a burden, I’ve built harmony by setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care.

Many women feel guilty about putting themselves first, but I’ve realized that taking care of yourself is not selfish—it’s necessary. When you’re at your best, you can give your best to both your work and your family.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to trust my instincts. Getting into the domain of cricket was a gut decision—it felt right and aligned with my passion for the game. Stepping into a male-dominated space like sports ownership required confidence and the willingness to challenge norms. I’ve never shied away from questioning the status quo or making bold decisions when I believed in them.

Ultimately, it’s about owning your space with confidence. You may have to work harder to be heard, but once you establish yourself through consistent results and credibility, your voice carries weight.

Women often juggle multiple roles, from career to family responsibilities. How does Health Click Away empower women to prioritize their health and well-being, and what advice would you give to women striving to maintain a healthy lifestyle despite their busy schedules?

Women are often expected to handle it all—career, family, and personal responsibilities—which leads to their health being deprioritized. That’s exactly why I created Health Click Away—to make health and wellness more accessible and flexible. The app gives women the freedom to choose their health coach, regulate their sessions, and manage their fitness journey from anywhere, even from home. This is especially empowering for housewives or women with limited mobility.

Health Click Away isn’t just about diet—it offers a complete ecosystem, from personal training and yoga to tracking health goals and connecting with a supportive community. Small, consistent efforts make a difference—integrating short workouts, mindful meal planning, and stress management into daily life can lead to lasting results.

My advice to women: Don’t aim for perfection—focus on progress. Listen to your body, set realistic goals, and don’t feel guilty for prioritizing yourself. Taking care of your health isn’t selfish—it’s essential for showing up as your best self in every role you play.

With your leadership in both wellness and cricket, how do you see sports as a platform for empowering women, and do you have any plans to encourage greater female participation in cricket or fitness through your initiatives?

Sports have the power to transform lives—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. It builds confidence, resilience, and teamwork—skills that are invaluable in both personal and professional life. Unfortunately, sports have long been viewed as a male-dominated space, but that narrative needs to change.

We believe to bring exposure and opportunities to the grassroots level, ensuring that girls have the same access and encouragement to pursue sports as boys do. Physical health should be treated as a core subject, not an afterthought.

It's about breaking the stereotype that girls are fragile and instead creating an environment where they feel safe, supported, and motivated to push boundaries. Encouraging women to step into sports helps them develop leadership, discipline, and mental strength—qualities that shape stronger individuals and communities.

By combining the reach of Health Click Away with the platform of cricket, we hope to inspire more women to engage in fitness and sports, proving that strength and success have nothing to do with gender. The goal is not just participation—it’s about building a mindset where women feel confident owning their place in any field, whether it's health, sports, or life itself.