07-01-2026, 07:42 PM
NABBA in Lithuania: Does Everyone Really Know the History?
It is regrettable that many bodybuilding athletes and enthusiasts take little interest in the history of their sport. As a result, attractive claims are often accepted without verifying the facts, leading to a distorted understanding of history and, ultimately, misguided decisions.
Let us briefly recall several indisputable historical facts.
In May 1991, the National Bodybuilding Association of Lithuania—the first bodybuilding organization established in the Republic of Lithuania at the initiative of the Ministry of Sport—received from NABBA International an official written recognition of Lithuania's restored independence as well as recognition of the Lithuanian National Olympic Committee. At that time, this was an exceptional event, as no other international sports federation had yet issued such recognition to Lithuania.
Soon afterwards, Natalija Murnikovienė and Rolandas Bučinskas won NABBA European Championship titles. These became the first European championship victories for Lithuanian athletes within NABBA following the restoration of Lithuania's independence.
In 1996, 1997, and 1998, three NABBA European Championships were organized in Klaipėda, Vilnius, and Palanga under the leadership of Edmundas Daubaras. In 1997, the NABBA International Congress elected Edmundas Daubaras as Vice President of NABBA International. Official documents confirming this appointment are preserved.
Beginning in 1995, the World WFF-WBBF Federation worked closely with NABBA. Over time, however, it became evident that the international activities, organizational initiatives, and development of WFF-WBBF had significantly surpassed those of NABBA. The turning point came after the highly successful WFF-WBBF World Championship held in Vilnius in 2005. Following this event, the decision was made to end the cooperation with NABBA and continue developing WFF-WBBF as an independent international federation.
It was only after this separation that the so-called "new" NABBA organization appeared in Lithuania, and it continues to operate today. It now presents its own version of history and celebrates a 25-year anniversary, despite having joined NABBA International only in 2006. This naturally raises the question of how such a period of activity is being calculated.
History is not based on declarations or promotional slogans. It is based on documents, dates, and verifiable facts. Therefore, anyone interested in the history of Lithuanian bodybuilding can compare the chronology of events and draw their own conclusions.
Another legitimate question should also be asked: what significant international projects, championships, or initiatives has this "new" NABBA organization contributed to Lithuanian bodybuilding over the past two decades? The answer can be found by anyone willing to examine the publicly available historical record.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
It is regrettable that many bodybuilding athletes and enthusiasts take little interest in the history of their sport. As a result, attractive claims are often accepted without verifying the facts, leading to a distorted understanding of history and, ultimately, misguided decisions.
Let us briefly recall several indisputable historical facts.
In May 1991, the National Bodybuilding Association of Lithuania—the first bodybuilding organization established in the Republic of Lithuania at the initiative of the Ministry of Sport—received from NABBA International an official written recognition of Lithuania's restored independence as well as recognition of the Lithuanian National Olympic Committee. At that time, this was an exceptional event, as no other international sports federation had yet issued such recognition to Lithuania.
Soon afterwards, Natalija Murnikovienė and Rolandas Bučinskas won NABBA European Championship titles. These became the first European championship victories for Lithuanian athletes within NABBA following the restoration of Lithuania's independence.
In 1996, 1997, and 1998, three NABBA European Championships were organized in Klaipėda, Vilnius, and Palanga under the leadership of Edmundas Daubaras. In 1997, the NABBA International Congress elected Edmundas Daubaras as Vice President of NABBA International. Official documents confirming this appointment are preserved.
Beginning in 1995, the World WFF-WBBF Federation worked closely with NABBA. Over time, however, it became evident that the international activities, organizational initiatives, and development of WFF-WBBF had significantly surpassed those of NABBA. The turning point came after the highly successful WFF-WBBF World Championship held in Vilnius in 2005. Following this event, the decision was made to end the cooperation with NABBA and continue developing WFF-WBBF as an independent international federation.
It was only after this separation that the so-called "new" NABBA organization appeared in Lithuania, and it continues to operate today. It now presents its own version of history and celebrates a 25-year anniversary, despite having joined NABBA International only in 2006. This naturally raises the question of how such a period of activity is being calculated.
History is not based on declarations or promotional slogans. It is based on documents, dates, and verifiable facts. Therefore, anyone interested in the history of Lithuanian bodybuilding can compare the chronology of events and draw their own conclusions.
Another legitimate question should also be asked: what significant international projects, championships, or initiatives has this "new" NABBA organization contributed to Lithuanian bodybuilding over the past two decades? The answer can be found by anyone willing to examine the publicly available historical record.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt