World Professional Sport News.
22 Years at the Top of Professional Bodybuilding: Lithuania Among the World Champions.
The W.B.B.F. International World Professional Championship results from 2004 to 2025 reveal not only the changing geography of world bodybuilding, but also the prominent position of Lithuanian athletes among the international elite. Over more than two decades, champions have repeatedly come from countries such as Russia, Brazil, Finland and others, while in recent years the name of Lithuania has become increasingly prominent.
Lithuania's breakthrough – especially in women's bodybuilding
According to the 2004–2025 summary provided, Lithuania appears five times in the list of women's world professional champions.
Lithuania's world professional champions are:
• Jolanta Mileriūtė – 2006, 2007 and 2008, Light category;
• Vilma Povilionienė – 2024, Light category;
• Svetlana Pugacheva – 2025, Heavy category.
This is particularly significant: Lithuanian women have not only appeared among the world champions in earlier periods, but have also remained at the very top in the most recent era of the championship.
Moreover, 2025 became an exceptional year for Lithuania when Svetlana Pugacheva won the World Professional Championship in the Heavy category.
Svetlana Pugacheva – from international competition to the world professional summit
The 2025 victory also has a broader context. Svetlana Pugacheva's name has appeared repeatedly on the international bodybuilding stage in W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. results. She has also been associated with the federation's international judging and activities.
Therefore, her 2025 victory can be viewed not simply as a one-season achievement, but as the culmination of many years of international experience, dedication and athletic excellence.
Hanna Kristina Skytta – five consecutive years of dominance
One of the most impressive highlights of the entire dataset is the five-year reign of Finland's Hanna Kristina Skytta.
She became World Professional Champion in the Heavy category in:
2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Five consecutive World Professional titles represent one of the most remarkable achievements in the women's championship history covered by the 2004–2025 statistics.
Another outstanding streak belongs to Brazil's Dalvaniza Aquino, who won three consecutive titles in 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Russia – the leading country in women's championships
According to the women's results provided, Russia recorded the highest number of championship victories between 2004 and 2025 – 10 titles.
The next countries are:
Lithuania – 5
Finland – 5
Brazil – 4
Poland – 1
Argentina – 1
Thus, based on the supplied results, Lithuania belongs to the leading group of nations in women's professional bodybuilding during this period.
Equally important, Lithuania's five victories are not concentrated in a single short period, but span different eras of the championship.
A different geography in the men's division
The men's championship picture is somewhat different.
According to the supplied 2004–2025 results, Russia leads with 11 championship victories.
It is followed by:
Iran – 3
Slovakia – 2
Estonia – 2
Brazil – 2
One championship victory each was recorded for Lithuania, Poland, Turkey, South Africa, Uruguay, Italy and India.
Lithuania's men's champion during this period was Dainius Džikevičius, who won the World Professional Championship in the Heavy category in 2020.
This was a major achievement for Lithuanian men's bodybuilding.
The new geography of world champions
The 2004–2025 statistics reveal an important trend: the world professional bodybuilding stage is not limited to a handful of traditional bodybuilding nations.
The champions' list includes countries from:
Europe – Lithuania, Russia, Finland, Poland, Slovakia, Estonia, Italy and Turkey;
South America – Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay;
Asia and the Middle East – India and Iran;
Africa – South Africa.
This demonstrates how international professional bodybuilding has become over the past two decades, with world championship titles reaching an increasingly diverse range of countries.
Lithuania – not merely a participant, but a champion nation
Perhaps the most important conclusion for Lithuania is that the country's presence in the championship records is not incidental.
Five women's and one men's world professional championship victories between 2004 and 2025 represent six championship-winning entries for Lithuanian athletes in the supplied results.
Even more importantly, Lithuanian athletes have continued to achieve strong results in other W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. international competitions. Lithuania's representatives regularly appear among the highest-ranked athletes, while the country continues to feature in recent professional championship results.
Svetlana Pugacheva's 2025 victory is another powerful confirmation of this tradition.
Conclusion
The W.B.B.F. International World Professional Championship history from 2004 to 2025 demonstrates that Lithuania has earned its place among the world's professional bodybuilding elite.
This is not merely the story of isolated athletes or a single successful season. Lithuanian names appear among the champions across different eras – from Jolanta Mileriūtė's three-year reign from 2006 to 2008, to Vilma Povilionienė's 2024 victory and Svetlana Pugacheva's 2025 World Professional Championship title.
At the same time, the international stage has produced remarkable stories of sustained dominance, including Hanna Kristina Skytta's five consecutive titles and Dalvaniza Aquino's three consecutive victories.
The statistics therefore represent far more than a simple list of champions. They provide a 22-year snapshot of professional bodybuilding history in which Lithuania is not merely an observer, but one of the nations whose athletes have reached the highest level of international competition.
Lithuania has every reason to be proud of its bodybuilding heritage – and Svetlana Pugacheva's 2025 World Professional Championship victory once again placed the Lithuanian flag at the very top of the international bodybuilding stage.
Mayor of Lviv, Press Conference, Television Report
The Highest International Recognition of a Lifetime of Achievement
In June 2013, the President of the World Fitness Federation – World Body Building Federation (W.F.F. – W.B.B.F.), Edmundas Daubaras, paid an official visit to Lviv, the historical and cultural capital of Western Ukraine, renowned for its rich academic traditions, architectural heritage, and vibrant public life.
The visit became one of the most significant international recognitions of Edmundas Daubaras' professional career. More than three decades of dedication to building and developing the global W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. movement were acknowledged not only by the international sports community but also by academic institutions and the municipal authorities of one of Ukraine's most distinguished cities.
Upon his arrival in Lviv, the President of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. was officially welcomed by a city delegation and accommodated as an honorary guest at the prestigious Leopol Hotel.
The central event of the visit was the solemn ceremony held at Lviv Stavropigion University, one of Ukraine's oldest institutions of higher education, whose origins date back to 1788. In recognition of Edmundas Daubaras' outstanding contribution to international sports development, public service, and international cooperation, the University's Academic Council conferred upon him the honorary academic degree of Doctor Honoris Causa (Doctor of Sciences, D.Sc.).
This distinction represents one of the highest academic honours awarded to individuals whose achievements have made an exceptional and lasting contribution to society, science, culture, sport, and international cooperation.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished scholars and university leaders from Ukraine and abroad. Among them were Professor Dr. Yaroslav Kmit (Ярослав Кміт), Rector of Lviv Stavropigion University and Vice President of the International UNESCO Programs Implementation Center; Professor Viktor Idzio (Віктор Ідзьо), Rector of Moscow University, Academician of the International Eurasian Academy and the Academy of Sciences of Higher Education Institutions of Ukraine, together with numerous other prominent representatives of the academic community.
The honour carried a significance far beyond personal recognition. It represented international acknowledgment of the achievements of the entire W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. movement. Over many years, the organization had united dozens of countries, organized international championships on several continents, and established lasting partnerships with universities, public organizations, and governmental institutions around the world. Its activities had evolved beyond the traditional boundaries of sport, becoming an important platform for international cooperation and cultural exchange.
Official Reception at Lviv City Hall
Following the honorary degree ceremony, Edmundas Daubaras was officially received by Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi. The meeting was attended by representatives of Lviv Stavropigion University, leaders of Ukrainian bodybuilding organizations, municipal officials, and members of the press.
During the meeting, the activities of the World W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Federation were presented, while discussions focused on opportunities for international sports cooperation, youth engagement, physical fitness, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles in Lviv and throughout Ukraine. The city's leadership expressed its appreciation for the Federation's achievements and its contribution to strengthening international sporting relations.
Following the official reception, a press conference was organized for Ukrainian journalists, during which the history of the Federation, its international championships, and its activities across numerous countries were presented.
The visit continued with a live television interview at Lviv Television, where Edmundas Daubaras spoke about the Federation's mission, principles, and worldwide development. The television report became one of the highlights of the official visit, introducing the international activities of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. to a broad Ukrainian audience.
In honour of the distinguished guest, the day's official programme concluded with a ceremonial banquet attended by university officials, representatives of the city administration, leaders of sports organizations, members of the academic community, and invited guests.
Significance for the International Federation
The 2013 visit to Lviv became one of the most remarkable examples of international recognition in the history of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Federation. The conferral of the honorary doctorate, the official reception at City Hall, the press conference, and the extensive television coverage demonstrated that the Federation was regarded not merely as a sports organization but as an international public movement promoting cooperation among nations, universities, and civic institutions.
These events symbolized the culmination of more than thirty years of dedicated work. They confirmed that the consistent development of a worldwide organization and its long-standing international partnerships had earned recognition at the highest academic and public levels. The Lviv visit therefore became not only a significant milestone in the biography of Edmundas Daubaras but also an important chapter in the international history of the World Fitness Federation – World Body Building Federation.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
2026 News International.
Lithuania Strengthens International Sports Cooperation: Focus on Taiwan and Upcoming WFF-WBBF Events.
On August 27, 2026, an official meeting took place in Vilnius between the leadership of the World WFF-WBBF Federation and representatives of the Taiwan Embassy. The meeting focused on the possibility of Taiwan’s official delegation participating in major international sporting events in Lithuania, as well as prospects for further cooperation between Lithuania and Taiwan in the field of sport.
The World WFF-WBBF Federation is currently preparing for two major international events in Lithuania: the 37th World Championship in Neringa, scheduled for October 24–26, 2026, and the 60th edition of the historic international “Amber Prix” Tournament in Klaipėda, planned for May 2027.
The international significance of these events was further highlighted by the meeting held in Vilnius on August 27 with representatives of the Taiwan Embassy. The meeting was attended by Mr. Elvie Wu, Deputy Head of the Taiwan Embassy, and Ms. Lee Chun-Chih, First Secretary of the Embassy.
The meeting was held with the official support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, providing an important broader context for the international cooperation being developed by the Federation.
Taiwan’s Participation – One of the Key Issues Discussed
One of the main topics of discussion was the possibility of an official Taiwan delegation participating in upcoming WFF-WBBF international events.
The participation of Taiwanese athletes and an official delegation in the World Championship in Neringa and the “Amber Prix” Tournament in Klaipėda could represent an important step toward strengthening international sporting relations.
In this context, sport serves not only as a field of competition but also as a platform for international dialogue, people-to-people contacts and institutional cooperation. International championships and tournaments with long-standing traditions provide opportunities for representatives of different countries to meet, establish contacts and develop long-term partnerships.
Looking Ahead to 2027
The discussions were not limited to upcoming events in Lithuania. The parties also discussed the possibility of organizing a major international WFF-WBBF event in Taiwan in 2027 – the 52nd International “World Grand Prix” Tournament.
This demonstrates that the potential cooperation is not being considered merely as a one-time participation of a Taiwanese delegation in events held in Lithuania. Rather, the discussions point toward a broader partnership in the organization of international sporting events, potentially involving sports organizations and athletes from both Lithuania and Taiwan.
Lithuania as a Meeting Point for International Sport
As the 37th World Championship in Neringa approaches, Lithuania is once again emerging as a country where sports communities from different parts of the world can meet.
The World Championship in Neringa in October 2026 and the 60th “Amber Prix” Tournament in Klaipėda in May 2027 are more than events on the international sporting calendar. They provide a platform for international cooperation, bringing together countries, federations, athletes and sports organizations.
The possibility of developing new event destinations – from Lithuania to Taiwan – adds another important dimension to this process.
A New Stage in International Cooperation
The August 27 meeting in Vilnius may mark a new stage in Lithuania–Taiwan sports cooperation. The immediate practical step is to continue coordinating the possible participation of a Taiwanese delegation in WFF-WBBF events in Lithuania. The longer-term perspective is the possible organization of the 52nd International “World Grand Prix” Tournament in Taiwan in 2027.
In this way, sport becomes a concrete and practical instrument for strengthening international relations.
The key conclusion of the meeting is that the potential cooperation extends beyond a single event. A broader international sports cooperation framework is taking shape, bringing together Lithuania, Taiwan and the international WFF-WBBF event network.
The coming months will show how the discussed opportunities and arrangements develop in practice. Meanwhile, the WFF-WBBF Federation continues preparations for one of its major events of 2026 – the 37th World Championship in Neringa.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
The 2008 WFF-WBBF International Congress in Prague:
The Road to International Recognition and Sports Reform.
On October 26, 2008, the WFF-WBBF International Congress was held in the historic Žofín Barocco Palace in Prague, Czech Republic. It became one of the most significant strategic meetings of the organization in the early twenty-first century. The Congress addressed the most important issues facing international bodybuilding and fitness, discussed the principles of international sports governance, and outlined the future direction of WFF-WBBF International.
For more than four decades, WFF-WBBF International has consistently pursued the development of the international bodybuilding movement, promoted transparent sports governance, and worked to establish a legally sound model for the operation of an international sports federation. The Prague Congress became an important milestone in implementing this long-term strategy.
The Congress had not been planned in advance. At that time, Prague was hosting the WFF Professional World Championship, which brought together the organization's executive leadership, presidents of national federations, international judges, and official representatives from various countries. Taking advantage of this unique opportunity, it was decided to convene an international congress to discuss the most pressing issues affecting world bodybuilding and the future strategic development of the federation.
Congress Participants
The Congress was attended by the leadership of WFF-WBBF International, presidents of national federations, international judges, and official representatives from Europe and Asia.
Participants:
• Edmundas Daubaras – President of WFF-WBBF International;
• Peter Papula – President of WFF-WBBF Austria;
• Martin Kuta – President of WFF-WBBF Czech Republic;
• Alena Slovakova – Secretary of WFF-WBBF Czech Republic;
• Ali Reza Rasa – President of WFF-WBBF Asia;
• Markus Kitner – President of WFF-WBBF Germany;
• Andrzej Maciejewski – President of WFF-WBBF Poland;
• Marieta Žigalova – Official Representative of Slovakia;
• Eva Martinkova – Official Representative of Slovakia;
• Prof. Karel Tuchaček – International Judge of WFF-WBBF International (Czech Republic);
• Peter Stach – Chief Judge of the 2008 WFF Professional World Championship (Czech Republic);
• Lubomír Krapek – International Judge of WFF-WBBF International (Czech Republic);
• Silvia Lang – Official Representative of Hungary;
• Jurij Bogdanov – Official Representative of Germany;
• Fedir Khashalov – Official Representative of Ukraine.
The international delegation represented the principal structures of WFF-WBBF International and discussed issues concerning the federation's strategic development, international recognition, anti-doping policy, and organizational reform.
Main Topics of the Congress
The State of World Bodybuilding
The Congress concluded that world bodybuilding was facing significant organizational and legal challenges. Many international organizations lacked a clearly defined legal framework, a consistent governance system, and unified international standards. This situation hindered the development of the sport and weakened the authority of international federations.
Legal Status of International Sports Organizations
During the discussions, participants emphasized that a number of sports organizations operated without a clearly defined international legal status. Attention was also drawn to shortcomings in sports administration, which in some cases negatively affected organizational transparency and international credibility.
The Congress stressed that international federations and the championships they organize must be based on a clear legal foundation. Only such a system can ensure the protection of athletes' rights, organizational stability, and long-term international recognition.
International Cooperation
Considerable attention was devoted to strengthening cooperation among international federations. Participants emphasized that the progress of world bodybuilding could only be achieved through coordinated activities among different organizations, the harmonization of sports governance principles, and the development of a common international framework.
Anti-Doping Policy
One of the principal topics of the Congress was the fight against doping. Participants emphasized that fair competition, the protection of athletes' health, and uniform anti-doping requirements must remain integral elements of modern sport.
The Congress also recalled that in 2007 WFF-International signed a cooperation agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and formally became a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code, thereby committing itself to internationally recognized anti-doping principles.
Congress Resolutions
Following the discussions, the Congress concluded that:
• world bodybuilding requires consistent organizational and legal reforms;
• international federations must operate in accordance with recognized legal and good governance principles;
• anti-doping policy must remain one of the highest priorities in sports governance;
• international cooperation is essential for the long-term development of bodybuilding and the achievement of international recognition.
Historical Significance
The 2008 Prague Congress marked an important stage in the development of WFF-WBBF International. It established the organization's principal strategic values: legality, transparent governance, international cooperation, unified sporting standards, and responsible anti-doping policy.
The issues discussed at the Congress remained relevant in subsequent years, making this meeting one of the most important strategic forums in the history of WFF-WBBF International. Its resolutions contributed to the federation's continued international expansion, strengthened its international standing, and reinforced its commitment to building a modern, transparent system of bodybuilding based on internationally recognized legal and sports governance principles.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
Slovakia as an International Center of W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Bodybuilding and Fitness:
The Role of Patron Stefan Hrčka (2009–2013).
Introduction
At the end of the first decade of the twenty-first century and the beginning of the second, the Slovak Republic emerged as one of the most important centers of the international fitness and bodybuilding movement in Europe. This development was closely linked to the activities of the World Fitness Federation (W.F.F.) and the World Body Building Federation (W.B.B.F.), as well as to the exceptional support provided by Slovak patron and public figure Stefan Hrčka. Through his initiative and organizational capabilities, Slovakia became the host of a series of high-level international sporting events that attracted the attention not only of the sports community but also of the country’s highest political institutions.
The 2009 “Universe” Contest in Brusno Kupele
A significant milestone was the international “Universe” contest held on November 6–8, 2009, in the Brusno Kupele resort located in the Tatra region of Slovakia. Athletes from thirteen countries participated in the event: Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Germany, Austria, France, Hungary, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Venezuela.
The international status of the contest was underscored by the presence of high-ranking Slovak state officials. Among them was Dušan Galis, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Government Committee for Youth and Sports, who presented a Letter of Appreciation from the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, Robert Fico, to the President of the World W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras. This gesture reflected the official recognition of the Federation’s activities and its contribution to the organization of international sporting events.
International Recognition and the “International Honour Gold Medal”
During the 2009 event, former Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic Vladimír Mečiar was awarded the International Honour Gold Medal. The award recognized his personal contribution to the development of sport and the promotion of health and fitness both nationally and internationally.
At that time, the medal represented one of the highest distinctions conferred by the World W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation. Prior to Mečiar, it had been awarded only to former President of the Austrian Parliament Professor Alfred Gerstl. This practice reflected the Federation’s commitment to strengthening cooperation between sport and public institutions while recognizing individuals who contributed significantly to the promotion of healthy lifestyles.
Cooperation with Slovak State Institutions
Following the 2009 “Universe” contest, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras received an official invitation to the Government Office of the Slovak Republic in Bratislava. During the meeting with Prime Minister Robert Fico and Chancellor František Hatar, discussions focused on the future development of international sport and the prospects for organizing further W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. events in Slovakia.
During the visit, Robert Fico was presented with the International Honour Gold Medal as a symbol of the Federation’s appreciation for his support of sport and health-promotion initiatives.
This cooperation continued in 2012. While preparing for the World Championship in Brusno Kupele, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras held a second official meeting with Prime Minister Robert Fico. The meeting was attended by Stefan Hrčka and Lubomir Martinka, the official W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. representative in Slovakia. During the discussions, Prime Minister Fico agreed to serve as Patron of the World Championship, once again demonstrating the Slovak Government’s support for the event.
Slovakia as a Center of International Bodybuilding Events
Between 2009 and 2013, the Brusno Kupele resort became the permanent venue for the most important W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. events, including World Amateur and Professional Championships and international “Universe” contests. The organizational foundation of these events was built upon the close cooperation between the World W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation and Stefan Hrčka.
Particularly significant were the events held in 2013, which were attended by the Speaker of the Slovak Parliament, Ján Figeľ. During his visit, he not only participated in the official ceremonies but also presented Dr. Edmundas Daubaras with the Slovak Parliament’s Certificate of Honour and a special Parliamentary Medal in recognition of his long-standing contribution to the development of international fitness and bodybuilding.
Subsequently, at the invitation of the Speaker, Dr. Daubaras paid an official visit to the Parliament of the Slovak Republic in Bratislava. The meetings focused on issues related to sports policy, public health promotion, and international cooperation.
International Recognition and Continuity
The support of Slovak state institutions for the Federation’s activities continued beyond 2013. During the 2016 W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. World Championship held in Lithuania, Slovak delegation leader Lubomir Martinka presented Dr. Edmundas Daubaras with a Certificate of Honour from the Parliament of the Slovak Republic. The document was signed by Deputy Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic Andrej Hrnčiar.
This award symbolized the long-term cooperation between Slovakia and the World W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation and served as recognition of outstanding contributions to the development of the international fitness and bodybuilding movement.
Development of International Relations
The expansion of international relations also played an important role in the Federation’s activities. In 2011, an official visit to the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Bratislava was organized. The meeting with the Cuban Ambassador was attended by Dr. Edmundas Daubaras and Stefan Hrčka. Discussions focused on opportunities for Cuban athletes to participate in W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. events and on future prospects for sports cooperation.
Conclusions
The period from 2009 to 2013 occupies a special place in the history of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation. During these years, Slovakia became one of the most significant international centers of fitness and bodybuilding in Europe. This status was achieved not only through the regular organization of world-class sporting events but also through the active involvement of Slovak state institutions.
An analysis of this period demonstrates that a decisive role was played by patron Stefan Hrčka, whose initiatives, organizational efforts, and financial support created the conditions necessary for the successful implementation of long-term international projects. His contribution stands as a notable example of how private patronage and civic initiative can enable a relatively small European nation to become a focal point of a global sporting movement.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
