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WFF-WBBF in Asia
International Personalities
Professor Lalit Soni – India's Ambassador of Sport to the World
Over the past several decades, India has become one of the most active participants in the international activities of the World WFF–WBBF Federation. A significant contribution to this development has been made by sports organizer and public figure Professor Lalit Soni (Lalit Kumar Soni, India), whose lifelong dedication has played an important role in strengthening the Federation not only throughout India but across the Asian continent.
With a professional education in sports, Lalit Soni began his career by managing local sports clubs. Through exceptional organizational skills, tireless dedication, and unwavering commitment to the development of sport, he steadily advanced from local leadership positions to become one of the most influential representatives of the WFF–WBBF Federation in Asia. Today, he serves as Vice President of the World WFF–WBBF Federation, coordinating the Federation's activities in numerous Asian countries, organizing international events, maintaining close cooperation with national federations, and contributing to the establishment of new sports organizations.
Lalit Soni's sporting career began in Ludhiana, Punjab, one of northern India's largest industrial and sporting centers. For many years he managed several successful sports clubs, where young athletes were trained and national competitions were organized. Having accumulated extensive experience in sports administration, he later devoted himself entirely to international sports management and public service.
His activities, however, extend far beyond competitive sport. Professor Soni serves as President of a public cancer prevention organization, actively supports the women's rights organization Ek Ass Women Helpline NGO, cooperates with animal welfare organizations, and participates in numerous social initiatives promoting youth development, healthy lifestyles, and public education. His diverse public service reflects a firm belief that sport should contribute not only to athletic achievement but also to the well-being, health, and moral development of society.
Throughout his career, Lalit Soni has organized numerous national and international events in India and Thailand. Under his leadership, high-level meetings with government officials, business leaders, and representatives of public organizations have taken place. He has been one of the principal organizers of the prestigious international "Universe" and "World Grand Prix" championships, while also arranging press conferences, television coverage, and media campaigns that have significantly increased the visibility of the WFF–WBBF Federation throughout Asia.
Particular attention has always been devoted to the formation and development of India's national teams. For virtually every World and Continental Championship, Professor Soni personally oversees athlete selection, team preparation, delegation management, and the strengthening of international cooperation. Owing to his efforts, Indian athletes have become regular participants in World Championships, and the country's reputation within the international WFF–WBBF community has grown steadily.
His achievements have received international recognition. While serving as a member of the World WFF–WBBF Federation delegation in Ukraine, Lalit Soni was awarded an Honorary Diploma of UNESCO in recognition of his outstanding public service and contribution to international cooperation. In addition, Stavropigion University, one of Ukraine's oldest academic institutions, conferred upon him the title of Honorary Professor, acknowledging his distinguished contributions to sport and society.
Professor Soni's international reputation has also been recognized in Lithuania. In 2019, during an official reception at the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania (Seimas), he was solemnly awarded the “International Honorary Silver Medal” of the World WFF–WBBF Federation. This distinction recognized his many years of dedicated service and his outstanding contribution to the international development of the Federation.
For Lalit Soni, Lithuania represents more than simply a venue for international competitions. During his visits to the city of Klaipėda, he repeatedly organized performances and demonstrations by Indian athletes in local kindergartens, inspiring children to embrace physical activity, healthy living, and the ideals of sport. These visits became a meaningful expression of friendship and cultural exchange between India and Lithuania.
One of Professor Soni's greatest achievements has been his commitment to discovering and developing young sporting talent. Thanks to his guidance and organizational efforts, many gifted Indian athletes have achieved international recognition. A remarkable example is Fateh Gill, who, at only three years of age, became the WFF–WBBF World Champion in the Martial Arts Division during the 2024 World Championship held in Klaipėda. His extraordinary performance attracted widespread international attention, while in India he quickly became a symbol of youthful determination and inspiration, demonstrating that early guidance and systematic development can produce exceptional results.
The life and work of Professor Lalit Soni represent the modern ideal of sports leadership. He is not merely an organizer of competitions or an administrator of sports organizations; he is a builder of long-term international cooperation, bringing together athletes, organizations, and cultures from many nations. His career demonstrates that sport is a powerful instrument for strengthening international friendship, educating young generations, promoting humanitarian values, and building mutual understanding among peoples.
Conclusion
Professor Lalit Soni's contribution extends well beyond the traditional responsibilities of sports administration. Over many years, he has become one of the leading personalities of the international WFF–WBBF movement in Asia, making a substantial contribution to the Federation's expansion, to the international success of Indian athletes, and to the education of future generations.
His organizational leadership, public service, and charitable activities clearly demonstrate that genuine sporting leadership is measured not only by victories in competition but also by the ability to unite people, inspire young athletes, promote international cooperation, and uphold the highest humanitarian ideals of sport. For these reasons, Professor Lalit Soni is rightly regarded as one of the most distinguished international figures in the contemporary history of the World WFF–WBBF Federation.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt


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Indian Athletes Have Developed a Strong Affection for the “Amber Prix” Tournament
Athletes from a number of Asian countries actively participate in the activities of the International WFF-WBBF Federation. Among the most prominent are India, Pakistan, and Turkey, while Egypt has also become increasingly active in recent years.
We first met Indian bodybuilders in 2008 at the WFF-WBBF “World Grand Prix” held in Greece. Closely following the activities of the international federation, Indian organizers staged the first WFF-WBBF India National Championship in 2010 and invited the federation’s leaders to attend. Since then, our cooperation has continued to grow, and we have participated in various events in India on as many as nineteen occasions.
Over the years, Indian athletes have become regular participants in the prestigious “Amber Prix” tournament held in Klaipeda, Lithuania. Many of them have won titles in their respective categories, while two Indian representatives, Dharminder Singh and Navtej Singh, achieved an exceptional distinction by becoming Overall Champions of the tournament.
The success of Indian athletes once again highlights the growing strength of bodybuilding in India and the close ties that have been established with the international WFF-WBBF community.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt


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The History of the “Amber Prix”.
2026. “Ode to Dr. Edmundas Daubaras”.
Sometimes the greatest recognition does not come in the form of an order, a medal, or an honorary title. Sometimes it comes in the form of a poem.
Today, I was pleasantly and sincerely surprised by a very special gesture of recognition. A longtime employee of the Port of Klaipėda and my fellow bodybuilding colleague wrote a lengthy poem about me, which he entitled “Ode to Dr. Edmundas Daubaras.”
This has never happened to me before.
The poem can be found on my Facebook page. For me, this is a particularly meaningful and unexpected form of recognition, because throughout my life I have received various official awards and had the opportunity to meet presidents of different countries, prime ministers, ministers, government officials of various ranks, as well as renowned philanthropists and business leaders.
For my international public and civic activities, I have received numerous orders, medals, awards and honors, as well as honorary titles. Among them are an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Lviv University, a medal from the Pope, the Orthodox Church’s Gold and Silver Medal of St. Nicholas, and the Order of St. Stanislaus of Stanisław August Poniatowski, the last King of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth.
Twenty-five years ago, in recognition of my activities, a bronze bust of me was even cast at the initiative of Natalija Murnikovienė, regarded as the greatest Lithuanian female bodybuilder of all time.
Yet the poem I received today is special for another reason: it is not an award from an institution, a committee, or an official ceremony. It is one person’s words dedicated to another person.
Throughout my life, I have always said what I believe and have tried to place the truth in the palm of my hand, without wrapping it in cotton wool. I understand that such an approach is not appreciated by everyone. But if speaking openly and remaining true to myself means facing criticism, envy or hostility, then that is simply the price of having the courage to speak honestly.
Therefore, I am especially grateful to all those who approach me with goodwill. Your support is not only appreciated – it is a responsibility that inspires me to keep moving forward.
I will not give up. I will continue my work.
And ahead lies a very special anniversary.
In 2027, one of the three oldest traditional bodybuilding competitions in the world – the “Amber Prix” – will celebrate its 60th anniversary.
This is more than just an impressive number. It represents six decades of bodybuilding history, athletes, coaches, organizers, traditions and people who have contributed to the development of the sport.
We will celebrate this exceptional anniversary in Klaipėda over three days.
And there is more. To mark the occasion, we will publish, in three languages, a unique historical book unprecedented in the world, documenting the history of the “Amber Prix”, its significance and its connections with the international world of sport.
It will not simply be a book about a competition.
It will be a book about the people who created history.
And that history is far from over.
The history of the “Amber Prix” continues.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt


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President WFF-WBBF International
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立陶宛加強國際體育合作:聚焦台灣及即將舉行的 WFF-WBBF 國際賽事
2026年8月27日,世界 WFF-WBBF 聯合會領導層在維爾紐斯與台灣駐立陶宛代表機構代表舉行正式會晤。雙方就台灣官方代表團參加立陶宛即將舉行的重要國際體育賽事,以及未來立陶宛與台灣在體育領域進一步合作的可能性進行了交流。
目前,世界 WFF-WBBF 聯合會正積極籌備兩項在立陶宛舉行的重要國際賽事:2026年10月24日至26日在涅林加(Neringa)舉行的第37屆世界錦標賽,以及預計於2027年5月在克萊佩達(Klaipėda)舉行的第60屆歷史性國際「琥珀獎」錦標賽。
8月27日在維爾紐斯舉行的台灣代表會晤,進一步凸顯了上述賽事的國際重要性。出席會議的包括台灣駐立陶宛代表機構副代表 Elvie Wu 先生,以及第一秘書 Lee Chun-Chih 女士。
本次會晤獲得立陶宛共和國外交部的正式支持,為世界 WFF-WBBF 聯合會所推動的國際合作增添了重要的外交與國際交流背景。
台灣代表團參與——會議的重要議題之一
會談的主要議題之一,是探討台灣官方代表團參加即將舉行的 WFF-WBBF 國際體育賽事的可能性。
台灣運動員及官方代表團參加涅林加世界錦標賽以及克萊佩達「琥珀獎」錦標賽,有望成為進一步加強國際體育交流的重要一步。
在此背景下,體育不僅是競技與比賽的平台,也可以成為國際對話、民間交流以及機構合作的平台。具有悠久傳統的國際錦標賽和體育賽事,為不同國家的代表提供面對面交流、建立新聯繫以及發展長期合作關係的機會。
展望2027年
本次會談的內容並不僅限於即將在立陶宛舉行的賽事。雙方同時討論了2027年在台灣舉辦大型 WFF-WBBF 國際體育活動的可能性——第52屆國際「World Grand Prix」錦標賽。
這表明,雙方所探討的合作並非僅限於台灣代表團一次性參加立陶宛的體育賽事,而是正在探索更廣泛的國際體育賽事合作模式,未來有可能進一步連結立陶宛與台灣的體育組織及運動員。
立陶宛——國際體育交流的重要平台
隨著第37屆世界錦標賽即將在涅林加舉行,立陶宛再次成為不同國家體育界人士交流與相聚的重要場所。
2026年10月在涅林加舉行的世界錦標賽,以及2027年5月在克萊佩達舉行的第60屆「琥珀獎」錦標賽,不僅是國際體育日程中的重要賽事,也正在成為國際合作的平台,讓不同國家的體育聯合會、運動員及體育組織能夠相互交流。
從立陶宛到台灣,未來國際賽事舉辦地點與合作網絡的拓展,也將為這一合作進程帶來新的發展空間。
國際合作的新階段
8月27日在維爾紐斯舉行的會晤,有望成為立陶宛與台灣體育合作的新階段。近期的重要工作,是繼續協調台灣代表團參加 WFF-WBBF 在立陶宛舉辦的國際賽事;更長遠的合作方向,則包括2027年在台灣舉辦第52屆國際「World Grand Prix」錦標賽的可能性。
由此可見,體育正在成為加強國際交流與合作的一項具體而務實的工具。
本次會晤最重要的意義,在於雙方所探討的合作已超越單一賽事的範疇。一個更廣泛的國際體育合作框架正在逐步形成,將立陶宛、台灣以及 WFF-WBBF 的國際賽事網絡連結在一起。
未來數月將進一步展現上述合作構想及相關安排如何落實。與此同時,世界 WFF-WBBF 聯合會正持續籌備2026年的重要國際體育盛事之一——第37屆世界錦標賽(涅林加)。


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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


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Let us look at the 2025.
W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Continues to Move Forward.
For W.F.F. – W.B.B.F., 2025 was not a year of promises, but a year of concrete work.
While part of the international bodybuilding movement is losing mass participation, influence and prospects, we continue to develop.
We do not hide the crisis.
We see it. And we are confronting it.
Bodybuilding Is in Crisis
Today, too many organizations are trying to present crisis as success.
But reality is determined not by statements, but by results.
When the number of athletes declines, young people disappear from the sport, and competitions become closed events for a narrow circle of professionals — this is not development.
It is a crisis.
W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. has chosen a different path.
We expand the sports programme.
We create new disciplines.
We develop children’s and mass sport.
We open competitions to veterans and athletes with disabilities.
We strengthen international cooperation.
We do not cling to old models.
We create new ones.
2025: The Facts
In 2025, W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. organized major international competitions:
• the 58th Amber Prix International;
• the 36th World Championship;
• the 30th European Championship;
• the 26th Universe.
This is not a museum of the past.
It is an active international sports system.
In 2025, an international judges’ seminar was also held in Klaipėda, together with numerous national and international competitions.
The geographical reach of athletes and specialists continues to expand.
We Are Not an Organization of the Past
W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. moved beyond the boundaries of traditional bodybuilding a long time ago.
As early as 1995, we began systematically separating bodybuilding and fitness.
Today, that decision has become even more obvious.
Fitness must exist as an independent official sport.
It has its own disciplines.
Its own athletes.
Its own judges.
Its own competitions.
Its own international future.
In 2025, the Lithuania Sport Fitness Federation was registered in Lithuania and announced its adherence to the World Anti-Doping Code of WADA.
We support a direction in which national fitness championships are organized separately, with full sporting and anti-doping control.
Lithuania: 60 Years of Bodybuilding
2025 was a historic year for Lithuania.
It marked 60 years of bodybuilding in Lithuania — 1965–2025.
The anniversary event was held in Gargždai.
We honoured the athletes and veterans who built Lithuanian bodybuilding at a time when the sport was only beginning to develop.
Sports history does not belong to one generation.
But forgotten history ceases to be history.
That is why we preserve it.
50 Years of Lithuania Cup Open
In 2025, the Lithuania Cup Open celebrated its 50th anniversary.
It also marked 50 years since the historic participation of Czechoslovak athletes, led by Vojtech Fiala, in an IFBB European Championship during the period of socialist restrictions.
At that championship, Petr Stach became the overall European champion.
This is not merely a sporting result.
It is part of the history of European bodybuilding.
In 2027, the Amber Prix International will celebrate its 60th anniversary.
We are already preparing for this important date.
We Preserve the Memory
In 2025, Valerij Koreškov (1940–2025) passed away — a journalist, writer, poet, artistic photography specialist and one of the early figures of European bodybuilding.
He was a member of Vilnius “Victoria” bodybuilding club and a laureate of the international UNESCO Award.
People like him must not disappear from the history of our sport.
We do not forget our own.
Information and Influence
For several months, WFF.lt received around 400,000 visits per month.
Our materials are published in different languages.
Our articles are read.
Our ideas are discussed.
Our formats are used by others.
This demonstrates one thing:
W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. cannot be ignored.
The International System Is Developing
In 2025, an international judges’ seminar was held in Klaipėda, with specialists from Germany, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania and Ukraine.
We consider professional judges’ education to be one of the foundations of international sport.
Without objective judging, there is no trust.
Without trust, there is no future.
We Are Moving Forward
W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. continues to pursue international recognition.
We seek associated membership in the United Nations and the International Olympic Committee.
We continue to pursue international recognition of fitness as an independent official sport and its development in the Olympic direction.
We understand the scale of this objective.
But we are not interested in easy tasks.
2025 Is Only Another Stage
We do not intend to justify ourselves to those who do not believe in our development.
The results speak for themselves.
While some discuss the past, we are creating the future.
While some reduce their activities, we expand ours.
While some fear change, we experiment.
While some forget history, we preserve it.
W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. continues moving forward.
And we have no intention of stopping.
History continues.
Dr. Edmundas Daubaras
President of W.F.F. – W.B.B.F.


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