After PM Modi, 'God of Cricket' Sachin Tendulkar promotes India's coastal beauty with scenic video

Legendary Indian batsman, Sachin Tendulkar, reminisced about his 50th birthday celebrations in the Maharashtra area of Sindhudurg and evidently came out in support of Indian beaches. Sachin commended the seaside town for its 'beautiful locations' and 'great hospitality' on social media, sharing a video and photo from his birthday celebrations. The post was made amid a major social media campaign to highlight Indian beaches rather than beaches abroad.

3 things you need to know

• Sachin Tendulkar revealed how he celebrated his 50th birthday
• Tendulkar posted a clip of himself playing cricket in Sindhudurg
• The post came amid the social media row over #BoycottMaldives

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Sachin Tendulkar expresses love for Indian coastlines

Tendulkar's remark came amid a controversy sparked by a tweet by a Maldives official just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Lakshadweep archipelago. Since the emergence of the dispute, several Indians have claimed on social media that they have cancelled their scheduled vacations to the island nation.

"250 days since we rang in my 50th birthday in Sindhudurg! The coastal town offered everything we wanted, and more. Gorgeous locations combined with wonderful hospitality left us with a treasure trove of memories. India is blessed with beautiful coastlines and pristine islands. With our “Atithi Devo Bhava” philosophy, we have so much to explore, so many memories waiting to be created. #ExploreIndianIslands," Sachin posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).

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#BoycottMaldives Trending on social media

The dispute arose following a tweet by a Maldives minister accusing India of targeting the country and claiming that competing with the Maldives in beach tourism is difficult.

Many people on social media have apparently posted screenshots of their cancelled flights and hotel reservations. Furthermore, '#BoycottMaldives' is one of the top trends on X in India.

Diplomatic tensions between India and the Maldives have risen in recent months, especially since President Mohamed Muizzu took office in November of last year.

The new president has signalled a shift in foreign policy, emphasizing tighter connections with China and a shift away from the old "India first" strategy.

Hardik Pandya joins the row

Star all-rounder, Hardik Pandya, also contributed to the Maldives row by expressing his displeasure via. social media. Pandya promoted Lakshadweep as an ideal holiday destination and locked it as the place for his next vacation. Pandya voiced alarm about comments made about India by some Maldives leaders, and he pitched Indian islands as ideal vacation destinations for people rather than foreign localities.

"Extremely sad to see what's being said about India. With its gorgeous marine life, beautiful beaches, Lakshadweep is the perfect get away spot and surely a must visit for me for my next holiday #ExploreIncredibleIndia," Hardik posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).