2026 SPRING MEGA EVENTS INTERNATIONAL
59-th „Amber Prix International“
31-st Europe Am-Pro Championship
27-th Am-Pro „Universe“
May 1 - 2, 2026, Klaipeda „Zveju“ Palace, Lithuania
May 1, Friday
09.00 – Aerial Hoops, Silks, Hammocks fitness
18.00 - Pole Dance Fitness
May 2, Saturday
09.00 – Fit-Kid‘s Fitness
12.30 – Mini Trampoline Fitness
14.30 – All Men Bodybuilding and Fitness Categories; Disabled Athletes
17.00 – All Women Bodybuilding and Fitness Categories.
Get Official Documents, Articles, Statistics on Global Page www.wff.lt
CONTEST REGISTRATION on www.worldfitness.lt
REAL WORLD BODYBUILDING HISTORY.
SOLE MAN AGAINST U.S.S.R. POLITICAL POWER.
FIGHTS AGAINST BODYBUILDING PROHIBITION.
Fifty three years have passed since bodybuilding sport was prohibited and prosecuted in the U.S.S.R. and Socialist countries. Everybody keep silence as they have nothing to say. Yes, in 1973 most bodybuilders left the sport. Somebody went to weightlifting. Somebody went on with bodybuilding illegally. But – who dared to make real steps to fight with prohibition of bodybuilding by political powers? The only one and it was DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. It is the right time to speak about this. We will tell the full story in the nearest future. We will cover the facts, we will present documents and we will make conclusions. Sure – the false „heroes“ will not like this.
SOLE MAN AGAINST U.S.S.R. POLITICAL POWER.
We will speak about the period of time afrer bodybuilding prohibition – after 1973. Topics of the article are:
- Personalities of bodybuilding
- Meetings of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS at Ministry of Sport of the Č.S.S.R.
- Meeting of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS with Minister Sport of Lithuanian SSR
- Discussions of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS with U.S.S.R. press
- Petition of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to U.S.S.R. Communist Party Central Committee in Moscow
- Results, followers.
SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING PERSONALITIES.
SITUATION IN THE WORLD AND IN SOCIALISM.
In 1970, in Belgrade (Yugoslavia), the general secretary of F.I.H.C. (F.I.H., Fédération Internationale Haltérophile, later F.I.H.C., Fédération Internationale Haltérophile et Culturisme, and later I.W.F., International Weightlifting Federation), the British Oskar State, established the sports federation I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders). Until then, I.F.B.B. was a private commercial company, having nothing to do with official sport. Oskar State also organized the membership of the new I.F.B.B. federation in the international G.A.I.S.F. (Global Association of International Sports Federations). After more than twenty years of F.I.H.C. managing bodybuilding globally, since 1971, the I.F.B.B. federation began to lead world bodybuilding.
SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING PERSONALITIES.
Among the personalities of early socialist world bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R. were representatives from the R.S.F.S.R.: Genadij Baldin (Геннадий Балдин), Roman Moroz (Роман Мороз), Vladimir Dubinin (Владимир Дубинин). From Lithuanian S.S.R., they were Vytautas Zumeris, Valerijus Koreškovas (Валерий Корешков) — after the ban on bodybuilding, some chose heavy athletics, some completely left sports, and Vladimir Dubinin, after his loss in the 1974 international tournament “Georg Tenno Memorial” (“Georgo Tenno memorialas”, «Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971–2025), left bodybuilding for thirteen years and did not interact with anyone from the bodybuilding world.
Later, after the coup in Lithuanian S.S.R. organized in 1973, when Juozas Jusevičius was unfairly removed from leadership, the leadership of Lithuanian S.S.R. bodybuilding was taken over for decades by Romanas Kalinauskas, who organized the coup, along with his irreplaceable assistants from Kaunas: Aleksandras Novikovas and Ramutis Kairaitis.
After the ban on sports in Klaipėda, bodybuilding took its original path. There was no one to follow. The former city bodybuilding leader, Antanas Jonuskutis, left Klaipėda, and those bodybuilders who wanted to continue training scattered to the basements of residential buildings.
Already in 1973, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras organized competitions of the remaining city bodybuilders in the old abandoned Klaipėda prison basement, and in 1974, he held the “underground” “Amber Prix” (Amber Prix International, “Gintarinis prizas”, «Янтарный приз», 1968–2026) tournament in a bomb shelter at the Klaipėda sea trade port. In 1975, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras secretly organized the “Amber Prix” again in one of Klaipėda’s secondary schools, and in 1976, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras held a public tournament with spectators in the Telšiai Culture House. Regardless of the ban on bodybuilding, in 1977, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras organized two public tournaments, including the “Amber Prix,” in the Klaipėda sea trade port cultural center. The halls were packed with spectators.
Similar events took place in other cities of Lithuanian S.S.R. and other Soviet Republics. Everyone was afraid of persecution and acted secretly. During the bodybuilding ban period, in the capital of Lithuanian S.S.R., under the cover of the sports society “Dinamo,” the “Vilnius Bodybuilding School” operated; however, during this period, it did not develop active work—it aimed to wait for better times. The school was led by Ceslav Tamulevic (Чеслав Тамулевич, 1945–2023) and Vitalij Asovskij (Виталий Асовский, 1952–2026).
During the bodybuilding ban years, there were no active organizers in Latvian S.S.R.
In Estonian S.S.R., Innar Mardo (1945–2002) managed to convince his government that, based on the traditions of past strongmen and wrestlers, bodybuilding was a “national sport.” Innar Mardo’s ideas found support in the government.
And that was all—there were no other prominent bodybuilding figures - organizers in the U.S.S.R. at that time.
In 1975, bodybuilding in the Czechoslovakian S.S.R. was led by Vojtech Fiala. Thanks to personal connections, Vojtech Fiala organized the Czechoslovakian S.S.R. delegation’s trip to the I.F.B.B. European Championship, where Petr Stach became the Overall winner. This was a fantastic event during the period of the bodybuilding ban. In the same year, 1975, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, while exchanging students at universities, worked in Prague, where he met Vojtech Fiala. The Czechs actively engaged Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, as he was the only Soviet bodybuilder to visit their country after the bodybuilding ban. In order to strengthen their position in the eyes of their political authorities, the Czechs demonstrated their “strong” ties with the Soviet Union through relations with Dr. Edmundas Daubaras. At the same time, in order to find out about the state of bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R., the leaders of Czechoslovakian S.S.R. bodybuilding wrote a letter to the before mentioned Genadij Baldin. Genadij Baldin explained that he was no longer involved in bodybuilding, as bodybuilding was disbanded and was under persecution. He wrote that only some individual organizers continued bodybuilding activities in the Baltic countries.
Detailed information, documents, articles and pictures are on International Site www.wff.lt
2026 SPRING MEGA EVENTS INTERNATIONAL
59-th „Amber Prix International“
31-st Europe Am-Pro Championship
27-th Am-Pro „Universe“
May 1 - 2, 2026, Klaipeda „Zveju“ Palace, Lithuania
May 1, Friday
09.00 – Aerial Hoops, Silks, Hammocks fitness
18.00 - Pole Dance Fitness
May 2, Saturday
09.00 – Fit-Kid‘s Fitness
12.30 – Mini Trampoline Fitness
14.30 – All Men Bodybuilding and Fitness Categories; Disabled Athletes
17.00 – All Women Bodybuilding and Fitness Categories.
Get Official Documents, Articles, Statistics on Global Page www.wff.lt
CONTEST REGISTRATION on www.worldfitness.lt
2026 SPORT NEWS INTERNATIONAL.
REPORT OF W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. JAPAN.
We are pleased to announce that the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Japan has officially decided to support the “IORIMPIA and W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. JAPAN” event planned for 2027 in Tajimi City.
This important cooperation agreement was arranged by our federation’s appointed W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International President in Japan, Iori Nishizawa. Permission has also been granted to use the embassy’s logo. This regional event is growing into an international fitness event connecting countries and people. This is a significant new step for our federation. The embassy’s support has given us even stronger trust and a solid foundation for future growth. We will continue working together with local administration and many partners toward the successful organization of the event.
The city details, exact date, and full official program are still being finalized. A great beginning!
Official Information is on International Site www.wff.lt
WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA.
UNIQUE HAPPENING IN WORLD SPORT HISTORY.
OFFICIAL VISIT TO VATICAN.
Working at the „World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia“ we would like to underline the unique happening in the World‘s sport history. That was the Official Visit of the President of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International federation DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to Vatican.
HOW VISIT TO VATICAN STARTED.
Developing International sport in the beginning of April, 2011 International President W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS visited Poland, Germany, France, Monaco, Italy, Slovakia. Being in Monaco DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS received a call from Italy informing that the Official Visit to Vatican is settled. The way towards Italy started. Right before the visit to Vatican the meeting with the Vatican representative in Italy was organized.
VATICAN NAMES BODYBUILDING DISIDENTS.
Vatican is not only the Centre of the World Catholic Church, but it is the State of the Vatican Country too. To present the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. activities in the World in 2011 the Official Meeting of the President W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Interantional Federation DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was organized in Vatican.
Listening about the Bodybuilding activities during the years of prohibition of this sport in the Socialist Countries the Vatican Congregate Perfect Cardinal J. Em. JOZEF KARDINAL TOMKO was interested very much. The Vatican Congregate Perfect Cardinal J. Em. JOZEF KARDINAL TOMKO positively evaluated our efforts to fight for the Bodybuilding Sport recognition and at once named us the „dissidents of the Communist Regime“.
Most impressive was the Vatican State evaluation of the contemporary positive work of the W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. federation in developing total fitness and bodybuilding throughout the World. For this work done the Vatican Congregate Perfect Cardinal J. Em. JOZEF KARDINAL TOMKO presented the Original Vatican Pontific Medals (Medaglia Ufficiale di Pontificato di Sua Santita Benedetto XVI) to the International President W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Federation EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS and the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. VIP Official Slovak STEFAN HRCKA (Headquarters State Vatican, Cita del Vaticano, March 29, 2011).
During the Official Visit to Vatican the Vatican State Administrator J. Em. PADRE PAOLO presented to the International W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Officials the Vatican Administration Headquarters, the Closed Historic Treasure Archives of the Vatican and the Storage Place of the historically valuable personal items of all Pontifics of the Vatican State. Early morning at the Vatican St. Peter‘s Basilica the President W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was invited and participated at the unique personal Mess.
We will publishe a thorough article in parts. Follow the International Site www.wff.lt - much information, documents and pictures are already published there.
N.A.B.B.A. IS TELLING LIES OR IT DOES NOT KNOW IT’S OWN HISTORY?
“WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA”.
Contemporary N.A.B.B.A. (National Amateur Body Building Association) history writer SI SWEENEY in his articles even does not mention the real first “Mr. Universe” contest. Also he writes incorrect information about the second “Mr. Universe” competition.
The same do writers who write about the I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) history. These they underline that there was nothing before the WEIDER brothers JOE and BEN I.F.B.B. Commercial Company. They neglect the previous BOB HOFFMAN’s (Robert Collins Hoffman, 1898 - 1985 m.) “Bodybuilding Empire” which WEIDER brothers copied from beginning to the very end.
Many people want to rise themselves and they create unreal stories. Next followers use their creations and go on developing them.
1947. FIRST “MR. UNIVERSE” CONTEST.
The first real “Bodybuilding Empire” was created through the A.A.U. (Amateur Athletic Union) in the USA by American BOBO HOFFMAN. In real A.A.U. united USA National Federations and it was the Ministry of Sport in the USA. They use to call BOBO HOFFMAN “the father of America Weightlifting”. A.A.U. since 1939 was organizing USA bodybuilding “Mr. America” contests. BOB HOFFMAN wanted to make bodybuilding an official recognized sport through A.A.U. and F.I.H. (Federation Internationale Halterophile). USA weightlifting though A.A.U. was a member of the International Weightlifting Federation F.I.H. Later F.I.H. name was changed to F.I.H.C. (F.I.H.C., Federation Internationale Halterophile et Culturisme) when F.I.H. started ruling World’s bodybuilding sport. BOB HOFFMAN decided to do the same with bodybuilding.
In 1947 F.I.H. organized the World Weightlifting Championship and International Congress in Philadelphia (USA). Under the efforts of BOB HOFFMAN the International Congress decided to lead and control World’s bodybuilding on official level. It was immediately decided to organize the first in Sport’s History International Bodybuilding “Mr. Universe” contest alongside with the F.I.H. World Weightlifting Championship in Philadelphia. Then the Over All “Mr. Universe” Champion was a pupil of BOB HOFFMAN a famous America weightlifter STEVE STANKO. That was a Historical Happening and STEVE STANKO became a Historical Person.
1948. SECOND “MR. UNIVERSE’ IN LONDON.
It was a tradition of F.I.H. not to organize World Weightlifting Championship in “Olympic” years. What to do with the second F.I.H. bodybuilding „Mr. Universe“ comprtition? Then the idea to organize the F.I.H. bodybuilding “Mr. Universe” during the 1948 “Olympic Games” struck BOB HOFFMAN. There were real ways because F.I.H. was a member of the International Olympic Committee (I.O.C.). BOB HOFFMAN addressed British OSCAR STATE who was the President of B.A.W.L.A. (British Amateur Weight Lifting Association) to assist him. At the same time B.A.W.L.A. asked the Chairmen of the British Bodybuilding “Health and Strength” Magazine to assist them too. Through F.I.H. departments in various countries B.A.W.L.A. invited athletes to the contest in London. At the same time BOB HOFFMAN brought USA bodybuilders to compete. There were 1800 spectators at the second F.I.H. “Mr. Universe” in London. All money profit of the competition went to B.A.W.L.A.. After several preliminary rounds the finalists were ANDRE DRAPP (France) and Americans JOHN GRIMEK and STEVE REEVES. JOHN GRIMEK was proclaimed the Over All Winner of the second F.I.H. “Mr. Universe”. STEVE REEVES spoke on microphone saying that “John Grimek is the greatest bodybuilder who ever lived“.
1950. FIRST N.A.B.B.A. “MR. UNIVERSE”.
In 1950 under the efforts of the Chairmen of “Health and Strength” Magazine N.A.B.B.A. association was created in the Great Britain. As the former N.A.B.B.A. President IVAN DUNBAR told us – N.A.B.B.A. Association was juridically registered as a „Public Club“. In 1950 N.A.B.B.A. organized the first “Mr. Universe” in London. The Over All Champion was STEVE REEVES (USA). At the same time a member of the International Olympic Committee F.I.H.C. went on organizing it’s own “Mr. Universe” contest. Comparing with N.A.B.B.A. “Mr. Universe” F.I.H.C. competitions were the official ones. For the two decades no one could confront F.I.H.C. as the official Bodybuilding Sport was under F.I.H.C. control. Even the Commercial I.F.B.B. Company of the WEIDER brothers JOE and BEN could not imagine to think being equal to F.I.H.C..
INFORMATION.
More detailed information on the Global International Site www.wff.lt, see forum topics.
2026 SPRING MEGA EVENTS INTERNATIONAL
59-th „Amber Prix International“
31-st Europe Am-Pro Championship
27-th Am-Pro „Universe“
May 1 - 2, 2026, Klaipeda „Zveju“ Palace, Lithuania
May 1, Friday
09.00 – Aerial Hoops, Silks, Hammocks fitness
18.00 - Pole Dance Fitness
May 2, Saturday
09.00 – Fit-Kid‘s Fitness
12.30 – Mini Trampoline Fitness
14.30 – All Men Bodybuilding and Fitness Categories; Disabled Athletes
17.00 – All Women Bodybuilding and Fitness Categories.
Get Official Documents, Articles, Statistics on Global Page www.wff.lt
CONTEST REGISTRATION on www.worldfitness.lt
2026 MEGA EVENTS INTERNATIONAL
37-th Am-Pro World Championship
45-th Am-Pro „World Grand Prix“
3-d „Neringa Mayor‘s Cup“
October 24 - 25, 2026, „Agila“ Palace, Nida Resort, Lithuania
Official Documents, Articles, Statistics on Global Page www.wff.lt
CONTEST REGISTRATION on www.worldfitness.lt
WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA.
1983 SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING NEWS.
In general there was nothing extraordinary in socialist bodybuilding in 1983. The bodybuilding sport was still prohibited but the prosecution was not so strong.
It was important that in 1978 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS wrote petition to defend bodybuilding when during the prohibition of bodybuilding everybody was afraid to do something. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS personally brought the petition to Moscow and presented it to the U.S.S.R. highest political institutions including the Central Committee of the U.S.S.R. Communist party (Центральный Комитет К.П.С.С. С.С.С.Р.). Due to this the polititians permited to organize in Klaipeda (Lithuanian SSR) the „Amber Prix International“ („Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз», 1968 – 2023). 1978 „Amber Prix International“ was the first public competition after the prohibition. This contest for ten years became the „unofficial U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championship“ («неофициальный чемпионат С.С.С.Р. по культуризму»). Best U.S.S.R. bodybuilders used to participate at the „Amber Prix International“ every year. Year by years bodybuilding contests were held in other places too. The winners of 1983 „Amber Prix International“ were Lithuanians ROLANDAS BUCINSKAS (Juniors) and VINCAS DUBICKAS (Main Categories).
After „Amber Prix International“ another U.S.S.R. bodybuilding contest was „Georg Tenno Memorial“ (Мемориал Георга тенно», 1971 - 1989) held in Tallinn (Estonian SSR). The Over All Winners of the 1983 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ were ROLANDAS BUCINSKAS (Lithuania SSR) and ARKADI AJU (Estonian SSR). The secretary of the „unofficial U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ («формальная федерация культуризма С.С.С.Р.») ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS went on with his intriques. He tried to prohibit ROMNDAS BUCINSKAS to particiapte at the 1983 „Georg Tenno Memorial“. Then DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS trough his friend INNAR MARDO (1946 – 2002 m., Иннар Мардо) ruined his plans and this way ROLANDAS BUCUNSKAS was among „Georg Tenno Memorial“ participants“. By the way, INNAR MARDO until his death was the President of the National Federation W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Estonia.
In Kaunas (Lithuanian SSR) still was organized „Comsomol Cup“ („Komjaunimo taurė“, «Кубок комсомола»). Junior Winners were JURIJ POPOV (Юрий Попов, R.S.F.S.R.), VIKTORAS JUCYS, RAIMONDAS KAZAKEVICIUS and the Winners of the Main Categories were STANISLAV PLOIAKOV (Станислав Поляков, Latvian SSR), VINCAS DUBICKAS, SAULIUS MISEVICIUS, RAIMONDAS IVANAUSKAS. All of the Winners were from the Lithuanian SSR except JURIJ POPOV and STANISLAV POLIAKOV.
First time after bodybuilding prohibition a contest was organized by VASILIJ BESPALENKO (Василий Беспаленко) in Lvov (Ukraine SSR). The Over All Winners were ARVYDAS JARUMBAUSKAS (Lithuanian SSR) and the mentioned above STANISLAV POLIAKOV.
Only Estonian SSR presented the U.S.S.R. at the 1983 traditional „Trener“ contest in Czechoslovakian SSR. It was led by PRANAS MICKEVICIUS. Bodybuilders of the Estonian SSR did not support PRANAS MICKEVICIUS as the Estonians still were fighting in between. Bodybuilders were on the side of INNAR MARDO who was overturned by OLEV ANNUS in 1979. Having no athletes this way PRANAS MICKEVICIUS went to Czechoslovakia with SAULIUS MISEVICIUS (Lithuanian SSR).
Of all Socialist countries only bodybuilders of the Czechoslovakian SSR had possibilities to go to the „Western“ Capitalist countries and participate at the I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) contests. Representatives of other Socialist countries could only dream of this. To go abroad everybody needed the official invitation accepted by the Ministries of Foreign affairs of their counttries. This was the „Amber Prix International“ and the „Georg Tenno Memorial“ had extremelly huge importance in the U.S.S.R..
Once the former Prime Minister of the Lithuanian Republic GEDIMINAS KIRKILAS said that Socialist bodybuilding was a kind of resistance to the Communist regime. By the way, GEDIMINAS KIRKILAS was the Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the 2004 W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) World Championship in Vilnius (Lithuanian Republic). We would like to remind that in 2011 the Official meeting of the President W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was held in Vatican. Vatican Congregat Prefect Cardinal J. Em. JOZEF TOMKO speaking about the bodybuilding in the Socialist countries named our activities as „dissidental“ towards the Communist regime. Due to this Vatican Congregat Prefect Cardinal J. Em. JOZEF TOMKO awarded DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS with the Medal of the Vatican Pontific (Medaglia Ufficiale di Pontificato di Sua Santita Benedetto XVI, Headquarters State Vatican, Cita del Vaticano, March 29, 2011).
INFORMATION.
More detailed information on the Global International Site www.wff.lt, see forum topics.
ASIA AND MIDDLE EAST NEWS.
HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS.
Working since 1968 W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) International unites today members from 141 Countries. Some time ago Bahrain joined the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. .In difference to other International Bodybuilding Structures under the leadership of W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. President DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International seeks recognition of the U.N. (United Nations), I.O.C. (International Olympic Committee) and W.A.D.A. (World Anti Doping Agency). W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. knows the way to reach these goals. Under the basis of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. the International Sport University (I.S.U.) was created in 2015. Since 2017 the I.S.U. university is an associated member of the U.N.E.S.C.O. organization which works under the U.N..
ASIA BODYBUILDING LEADERS.
We see evident Asia bodybuilding leaders during the last period of time. Under the leadership of International W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. Vice President LALIT KUMAR SONI - they are: TOLGA MURAT BALIKCI (Turkey), ALI REZA RASA (Iran), RAMANDEEP SINGH (India), ALLAOUDIN BHATTI (Pakistan).
2018 OFFICIAL MEETING IN SWITZERLAND.
To meet high representatives of Arab Countries in 2018 President W.F.F. -W.B.B.F. International DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was invited to Switzerland. Arabs wanted W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. to organize big International contest in Zurich. Well known Companies of Switzerland were ready to finance the project together with the representatives of Dubai. The venue of the contets was chosen exceptional - old castle on the hill of Zurich. Arabs wanted this contest to be repeated in the main Capitals of the World. Their wish was the only one - ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER must be present at the banquet. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS addressed his friends in Hollywood who were in close relations with ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER and all was done well. Unfortunately at the same days ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER was operated on his heart. He isolated himself from the people for several months and we could not reach him. We hope to fulfill these plans in future.
ASIA AND ARAB COUNTRIES.
First time we got acquainted with Asia and Arab Countries in 1989 when DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was invited as Personal Guest of the I.F.B.B. President BEN WEIDER to the World Championship in Paris (France). Then BEN WEIDER presented DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to all I.F.B.B. National Presidents. The same was done in 1990 in Malaysia (I.F.B.B. World Championship) and in New York (“Miss Olympia”). Twenty five years ago WEIDER brothers JOE and BEN left bodybuilding. Then they sold the I.F.B.B. federation, “Olympia” contest and all their magazines. IF.B.B. started inner wars. I.F.B.B. split in two parts. I.F.B.B. Vice President PAUL CHUA (Singapore) and I.F.B.B. lawer and finance director ALEX BAURE (Austria) and Prince of Dubai OSAMA AL SHAFAR were fighting with RAFAEL SANTONJA (Spain) who took the lead in the I.F.B.B.. The case went to court in London. RAFAEL SANTONJA lost the case but remained in the I.F.B.B.. Then PAUL CHUA with forty Arab and Asia Countries left the I.F.B.B. and created his own federation. Then PAUL CHUA and OSAMA AL SHAFAR wanted to join the W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. and invited DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to London. Unfortunately DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was organizing W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. Europe Championship in Lithuania at the same days and could not come to London.
INDIA AND THAILAND.
Popularizing sport around the World DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS visited nineteen times India and four times Thailand. Every time various International events were organized as well: Asia Championships, “Universe” and “World Grand Prix” Contests, meetings with High Governmental officials.
TURKEY, PAKISTAN AND IRAN.
Since 2006 bodybuilders of Turkey, Pakistan and Iran are participating at the W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. International events. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS visited Turkey many times. Also he was on Official Visit to Iran where he had meetings with sport leaders at the Olympic Committee of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Leaders of Pakistan bodybuilding DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS met at the International W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. events in Ukraine, Thailand, Russia and Belarus.
BODYBUILDING FEDERATION OF ARAB COPUNTRIES AND W.F.F.-W.B.B.F..
Some time ago asking for cooperation bodybuilding leader of Lebanon DSc. Professor FAWZI KHODARI addressed the International W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. Headquarters. FAWZI KHODARI is old representative of the I.F.B.B. federation and also he is the Chairman of the Arab Physical Culture Federation (A.P.C.F.).
FRIEND OF WEIDER BROTHERS FROM YEMEN.
Some time ago a Yemen bodybuilding leader DSc. NAJEEB AL JAWFI addressed International W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. President DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. He feels pity that after deaths of WEIDER brothers JOE and BEN World’s bodybuilding goes down. A hundred of bodybuilding federations make mess in the sport, including I.F.B.B. of RAFAEL SANTONJA and N.P.C. of JIM MANION. Sport is finished and everybody became crazy about business and money. DSc. NAJEEB AL JAWFI likes the initiatives of the W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. International about the way to get back official recognition of our sport, including the recognition of I.O.C. (International Olympic Committee). today the only W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. speaks truth to athletes and does not make “festivals” and “carnavals” of bodybuilding.
ASIA BODYBUILDERS AIM TO PARTICIPATE IN LITHUANIA.
Several years in a row Egypt, Iraque and Pakistan bodybuilders try to participate at the W.F.F. -W.B.B.F. International events in Europe. European visa politics is very strict and make big obstacles. In 2026 we hope to meet delegations of India, Japan and China.
More information is on International Site www.wff.lt
HISTORY BOOK OF ARUNAS PETRAITIS.
WE GO ON DEVELOPING WORLD’S SPORT.
PRERPARING FOR THE 60-TH “AMBER PRIX”.
Today, the sports community gathered for the presentation of a book by journalist and sports historian Arūnas Petraitis. The book is titled Lithuanian Bodybuilding 1965–2015. An Illustrated History of the “Iron” Sport.
During the event, the legendary “Amber Prix International” was also remembered, first organized back in 1967. It is wonderful to see that this beautiful tradition continues – on May 1–2, the “Amber Prix” will take place for the 59th time.
Therefore, this was not only a book presentation, but also a meaningful discussion and exchange of ideas for the upcoming 60-th anniversary of the “Amber Prix,” which will be held next year, in 2027, in Klaipėda. The works done and the works we are doing for the coming unique contest were presented by the General Secretary W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International Ugne Raudyte Daubariene and federation Official Alina Pelepko.
This is an especially significant event for the city of Klaipėda – the International tournament has been held here for 60 years, and all of this is thanks to DSc. Edmundas Daubaras, President of the International W.F.F. – W.B.B.F..
During the meeting, we revisited the old-school era of bodybuilding – a time when this sport was not only about physical form, but also a true art of aesthetics, plasticity, and stage culture, nurtured by our W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. community. The book highlights Lithuania’s highest achievements and gives special attention to Natalija Murnikovienė, who still holds the highest-level accomplishments to this day.
We spoke about how, in those times, great importance was placed on smooth and artistic posing transitions, the aesthetics of movement, and harmony on stage. A performance was much more than simply stepping on stage and demonstrating standard poses – it was the peak of bodybuilding as an art form.
This spirit was beautifully embodied by Aretas Kolmakovas, who demonstrated elegant and fluid transitions during the meeting, recalling the legendary days of the “Amber Prix.” Even more meaningfully, he himself participated in the “Amber Prix” tournaments for about ten times with his own individual posing program, making his performance a living reflection of our history and traditions.
This inspired a special idea for the upcoming 60-th anniversary in 2027 – to revive the classic artistic posing of the “Amber Prix” as a separate category, honoring our roots, aesthetics, and the unique philosophy of light and natural bodybuilding promoted by W.F.F. – W.B.B.F.. The idea will be fulfilled by Lithuania senior bodybuilder Aleksas Stankus and pretender to the Parliament Republic Lithuania Klaipeda polititian Romualdas Mile.
It would be not only a tribute to history, but also the return of true classical bodybuilding art to the stage.
Photos by: Audrius Kundrotas.
More information is on International Site www.wff.lt
HISTORY BOOK OF ARUNAS PETRAITIS.
WE GO ON DEVELOPING WORLD’S SPORT.
PRERPARING FOR THE 60-TH “AMBER PRIX”.
Today, the sports community gathered for the presentation of a book by journalist and sports historian Arūnas Petraitis. The book is titled Lithuanian Bodybuilding 1965–2015. An Illustrated History of the “Iron” Sport.
During the event, the legendary “Amber Prix International” was also remembered, first organized back in 1967. It is wonderful to see that this beautiful tradition continues – on May 1–2, the “Amber Prix” will take place for the 59th time.
Therefore, this was not only a book presentation, but also a meaningful discussion and exchange of ideas for the upcoming 60-th anniversary of the “Amber Prix,” which will be held next year, in 2027, in Klaipėda. The works done and the works we are doing for the coming unique contest were presented by the General Secretary W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International Ugne Raudyte Daubariene and federation Official Alina Pelepko.
This is an especially significant event for the city of Klaipėda – the International tournament has been held here for 60 years, and all of this is thanks to DSc. Edmundas Daubaras, President of the International W.F.F. – W.B.B.F..
During the meeting, we revisited the old-school era of bodybuilding – a time when this sport was not only about physical form, but also a true art of aesthetics, plasticity, and stage culture, nurtured by our W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. community. The book highlights Lithuania’s highest achievements and gives special attention to Natalija Murnikovienė, who still holds the highest-level accomplishments to this day.
We spoke about how, in those times, great importance was placed on smooth and artistic posing transitions, the aesthetics of movement, and harmony on stage. A performance was much more than simply stepping on stage and demonstrating standard poses – it was the peak of bodybuilding as an art form.
This spirit was beautifully embodied by Aretas Kolmakovas, who demonstrated elegant and fluid transitions during the meeting, recalling the legendary days of the “Amber Prix.” Even more meaningfully, he himself participated in the “Amber Prix” tournaments for about ten times with his own individual posing program, making his performance a living reflection of our history and traditions.
This inspired a special idea for the upcoming 60-th anniversary in 2027 – to revive the classic artistic posing of the “Amber Prix” as a separate category, honoring our roots, aesthetics, and the unique philosophy of light and natural bodybuilding promoted by W.F.F. – W.B.B.F.. The idea will be fulfilled by Lithuania senior bodybuilder Aleksas Stankus and pretender to the Parliament Republic Lithuania Klaipeda polititian Romualdas Mile.
It would be not only a tribute to history, but also the return of true classical bodybuilding art to the stage.
Photos by: Audrius Kundrotas.
More information is on International Site www.wff.lt
REAL WORLD BODYBUILDING HISTORY.
SOLE MAN AGAINST U.S.S.R. POLITICAL POWER.
FIGHTS AGAINST BODYBUILDING PROHIBITION.
Fifty three years have passed since bodybuilding sport was prohibited and prosecuted in the U.S.S.R. and Socialist countries. Everybody keep silence as they have nothing to say. Yes, in 1973 most bodybuilders left the sport. Somebody went to weightlifting. Somebody went on with bodybuilding illegally. But – who dared to make real steps to fight with prohibition of bodybuilding by political powers? The only one and it was DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. It is the right time to speak about this. We will tell the full story in the nearest future. We will cover the facts, we will present documents and we will make conclusions. Sure – the false „heroes“ will not like this.
SOLE MAN AGAINST U.S.S.R. POLITICAL POWER.
We will speak about the period of time afrer bodybuilding prohibition – after 1973. Topics of the article are:
- Personalities of bodybuilding
- Meetings of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS at Ministry of Sport of the Č.S.S.R.
- Meeting of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS with Minister Sport of Lithuanian SSR
- Discussions of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS with U.S.S.R. press
- Petition of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to U.S.S.R. Communist Party Central Committee in Moscow
- Results, followers.
SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING PERSONALITIES.
SITUATION IN THE WORLD AND IN SOCIALISM.
In 1970, in Belgrade (Yugoslavia), the general secretary of F.I.H.C. (F.I.H., Fédération Internationale Haltérophile, later F.I.H.C., Fédération Internationale Haltérophile et Culturisme, and later I.W.F., International Weightlifting Federation), the British Oskar State, established the sports federation I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders). Until then, I.F.B.B. was a private commercial company, having nothing to do with official sport. Oskar State also organized the membership of the new I.F.B.B. federation in the international G.A.I.S.F. (Global Association of International Sports Federations). After more than twenty years of F.I.H.C. managing bodybuilding globally, since 1971, the I.F.B.B. federation began to lead world bodybuilding.
SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING PERSONALITIES.
Among the personalities of early socialist world bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R. were representatives from the R.S.F.S.R.: Genadij Baldin (Геннадий Балдин), Roman Moroz (Роман Мороз), Vladimir Dubinin (Владимир Дубинин). From Lithuanian S.S.R., they were Vytautas Zumeris, Valerijus Koreškovas (Валерий Корешков) — after the ban on bodybuilding, some chose heavy athletics, some completely left sports, and Vladimir Dubinin, after his loss in the 1974 international tournament “Georg Tenno Memorial” (“Georgo Tenno memorialas”, «Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971–2025), left bodybuilding for thirteen years and did not interact with anyone from the bodybuilding world.
Later, after the coup in Lithuanian S.S.R. organized in 1973, when Juozas Jusevičius was unfairly removed from leadership, the leadership of Lithuanian S.S.R. bodybuilding was taken over for decades by Romanas Kalinauskas, who organized the coup, along with his irreplaceable assistants from Kaunas: Aleksandras Novikovas and Ramutis Kairaitis.
After the ban on sports in Klaipėda, bodybuilding took its original path. There was no one to follow. The former city bodybuilding leader, Antanas Jonuskutis, left Klaipėda, and those bodybuilders who wanted to continue training scattered to the basements of residential buildings.
Already in 1973, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras organized competitions of the remaining city bodybuilders in the old abandoned Klaipėda prison basement, and in 1974, he held the “underground” “Amber Prix” (Amber Prix International, “Gintarinis prizas”, «Янтарный приз», 1968–2026) tournament in a bomb shelter at the Klaipėda sea trade port. In 1975, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras secretly organized the “Amber Prix” again in one of Klaipėda’s secondary schools, and in 1976, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras held a public tournament with spectators in the Telšiai Culture House. Regardless of the ban on bodybuilding, in 1977, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras organized two public tournaments, including the “Amber Prix,” in the Klaipėda sea trade port cultural center. The halls were packed with spectators.
Similar events took place in other cities of Lithuanian S.S.R. and other Soviet Republics. Everyone was afraid of persecution and acted secretly. During the bodybuilding ban period, in the capital of Lithuanian S.S.R., under the cover of the sports society “Dinamo,” the “Vilnius Bodybuilding School” operated; however, during this period, it did not develop active work—it aimed to wait for better times. The school was led by Ceslav Tamulevic (Чеслав Тамулевич, 1945–2023) and Vitalij Asovskij (Виталий Асовский, 1952–2026).
During the bodybuilding ban years, there were no active organizers in Latvian S.S.R.
In Estonian S.S.R., Innar Mardo (1945–2002) managed to convince his government that, based on the traditions of past strongmen and wrestlers, bodybuilding was a “national sport.” Innar Mardo’s ideas found support in the government.
And that was all—there were no other prominent bodybuilding figures - organizers in the U.S.S.R. at that time.
In 1975, bodybuilding in the Czechoslovakian S.S.R. was led by Vojtech Fiala. Thanks to personal connections, Vojtech Fiala organized the Czechoslovakian S.S.R. delegation’s trip to the I.F.B.B. European Championship, where Petr Stach became the Overall winner. This was a fantastic event during the period of the bodybuilding ban. In the same year, 1975, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, while exchanging students at universities, worked in Prague, where he met Vojtech Fiala. The Czechs actively engaged Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, as he was the only Soviet bodybuilder to visit their country after the bodybuilding ban. In order to strengthen their position in the eyes of their political authorities, the Czechs demonstrated their “strong” ties with the Soviet Union through relations with Dr. Edmundas Daubaras. At the same time, in order to find out about the state of bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R., the leaders of Czechoslovakian S.S.R. bodybuilding wrote a letter to the before mentioned Genadij Baldin. Genadij Baldin explained that he was no longer involved in bodybuilding, as bodybuilding was disbanded and was under persecution. He wrote that only some individual organizers continued bodybuilding activities in the Baltic countries.
IMPORTANT 1975. MEETINGS AT SPORT MINISTRY.
In 1975 basing on the exchange of the University students DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS went to Czechoslovakia for two months. In Prague DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS met VOJTECH FIALA. During the following two months their meetings were often. Both had enough time to speak over the International bodybuilding situation. VOJTECH FIALA organized a visit to PETR STACH who was living close to Prague. PETR STACH told about the Europe Championship and explained DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS about his training systems and posed in front of him.
At the same time VOJTECH FIALA organized the meeting of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS with the Chairmen of the Ministry of sport of the Czechoslovakian SSR (Č.S.T.V., Československy Svaz Telesne Vychovy). Questions of the situation around bodybuilding was spoken over.
1977 MEETINGS AT SPORT MINISTRY.
In 1977 still as a student of Vilnius State University DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS for two months went to Czechoslovakia again. Again working on the future cooperation between the U.S.S.R. and Czechoslovakian SSR bodybuilders DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS and VOJTECH FIALA visited the Ministry of Sport of Czechoslovakian SSR. For the discussion meetings with the Chairmen of the Ministry were organized. In 1977 Czechoslovakian bodybuilding Federation had a room at the Ministry. Secretary of the federation was a famous bodybuilder PETER TLAPAK. He presented the headquarters of the federation, discussed the situation and posed in front of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS.
VOJTECH FIALA for DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS organized a trip to a mountain resort where Czechoslovakia bodybuilders under support of the Government were preparing for the coming World Championship. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS discussed various questions with athletes and trainers.
Also VOJTECH FIALA invited DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to two meetings of the Czechoslovakia Bodybuilding Federation Council. The meetings were held by Professor FRANTISEK BULVA in the city of Brno. Under the requests of the participants DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS spoke on bodybuilding situation ion the U.S.S.R. and in Lithuania SSR.
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Chairman WFF-WBBF International Judges Council
Secretary General WFF-WBBF Lithuania
2026 SPRING MEGA EVENTS INTERNATIONAL
59-th „Amber Prix International“
31-st Europe Am-Pro Championship
27-th Am-Pro „Universe“
May 1 - 2, 2026, Klaipeda „Zveju“ Palace, Lithuania
May 1, Friday
09.00 – Aerial Hoops, Silks, Hammocks fitness
18.00 - Pole Dance Fitness
May 2, Saturday
09.00 – Fit-Kid‘s Fitness
12.30 – Mini Trampoline Fitness
14.30 – All Men Bodybuilding and Fitness Categories; Disabled Athletes
17.00 – All Women Bodybuilding and Fitness Categories.
Get Official Documents, Articles, Statistics on Global Page www.wff.lt
CONTEST REGISTRATION on www.worldfitness.lt
HISTORY BOOK OF ARUNAS PETRAITIS.
WE GO ON DEVELOPING WORLD’S SPORT.
PRERPARING FOR THE 60-TH “AMBER PRIX”.
Today, the sports community gathered for the presentation of a book by journalist and sports historian Arūnas Petraitis. The book is titled Lithuanian Bodybuilding 1965–2015. An Illustrated History of the “Iron” Sport.
During the event, the legendary “Amber Prix International” was also remembered, first organized back in 1967. It is wonderful to see that this beautiful tradition continues – on May 1–2, the “Amber Prix” will take place for the 59th time.
Therefore, this was not only a book presentation, but also a meaningful discussion and exchange of ideas for the upcoming 60-th anniversary of the “Amber Prix,” which will be held next year, in 2027, in Klaipėda. The works done and the works we are doing for the coming unique contest were presented by the General Secretary W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International Ugne Raudyte Daubariene and federation Official Alina Pelepko.
This is an especially significant event for the city of Klaipėda – the International tournament has been held here for 60 years, and all of this is thanks to DSc. Edmundas Daubaras, President of the International W.F.F. – W.B.B.F..
During the meeting, we revisited the old-school era of bodybuilding – a time when this sport was not only about physical form, but also a true art of aesthetics, plasticity, and stage culture, nurtured by our W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. community. The book highlights Lithuania’s highest achievements and gives special attention to Natalija Murnikovienė, who still holds the highest-level accomplishments to this day.
We spoke about how, in those times, great importance was placed on smooth and artistic posing transitions, the aesthetics of movement, and harmony on stage. A performance was much more than simply stepping on stage and demonstrating standard poses – it was the peak of bodybuilding as an art form.
This spirit was beautifully embodied by Aretas Kolmakovas, who demonstrated elegant and fluid transitions during the meeting, recalling the legendary days of the “Amber Prix.” Even more meaningfully, he himself participated in the “Amber Prix” tournaments for about ten times with his own individual posing program, making his performance a living reflection of our history and traditions.
This inspired a special idea for the upcoming 60-th anniversary in 2027 – to revive the classic artistic posing of the “Amber Prix” as a separate category, honoring our roots, aesthetics, and the unique philosophy of light and natural bodybuilding promoted by W.F.F. – W.B.B.F.. The idea will be fulfilled by Lithuania senior bodybuilder Aleksas Stankus and pretender to the Parliament Republic Lithuania Klaipeda polititian Romualdas Mile.
It would be not only a tribute to history, but also the return of true classical bodybuilding art to the stage.
Photos by: Audrius Kundrotas.
More information is on International Site www.wff.lt
WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA
WORLD’S OLDEST TRADITIONAL BODYBUILDING CONTESTS
Looking through the years and evaluating the status, significance, and historical value of competitions, three of the world’s oldest traditional bodybuilding contests that are still held today can be distinguished:
________________________________________
Nr. 1 – N.A.B.B.A. Universe
• Organizer: National Amateur Body-Builders' Association (N.A.B.B.A.)
• Location: United Kingdom
• Established: 1950
• First Overall Winner: Steve Reeves (USA)
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Nr. 2 – Mr. Olympia
• Founder: Joe Weider
• Location: United States
• Established: 1965
• First Overall Winner: Larry Scott (USA)
________________________________________
Nr. 3 – Amber Prix International (“Amber Prize”)
• Organizer: World Fitness Federation / World Bodybuilding Federation
• Location: Lithuania
• Established: 1968
• First Overall Winner: Leonas Pivoriūnas (Lithuania)
________________________________________
Remark
These competitions are considered the oldest traditional bodybuilding contests due to their historical continuity, international recognition, and significant contribution to the development of bodybuilding worldwide.
More information is on International Site www.wff.lt
