“AMBER PRIX” – WHAT IS IT? HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE.

For more than six decades, the name “Amber Prix” has resonated throughout the world. What is it? Once a traditional bodybuilding tournament, today it has grown into a broad movement promoting wellness, fitness, and professional sport. Thanks to the activities of the international WFF-WBBF Federation, the “Amber Prix” has become a significant international sporting phenomenon.

During the period when bodybuilding was banned in the Soviet Union, the “Amber Prix” competition became the unofficial USSR Bodybuilding Championship, later recognized as such by the USSR Ministry of Sports. At that time, for many athletes from across the Soviet Union, this tournament effectively served as both the World and European Championship. The highest sporting achievements were associated with victories and prize-winning places at the “Amber Prix” competition.

In his efforts to rehabilitate bodybuilding, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras spent years corresponding with leaders of the USSR Weightlifting Federation, the central Soviet sports press, and meeting with the Minister of Sports of the Lithuanian SSR, Zigmas Motiekaitis. Eventually, he decided to prepare and submit an official petition defending bodybuilding to the highest political authorities in Moscow. At that time, not a single well-known bodybuilding organizer, coach, or athlete supported this initiative — on the contrary, most advised him to abandon the idea.

It was through the efforts of Dr. Edmundas Daubaras that permission was granted to organize the “Amber Prix” tournament in Klaipėda. Later, under the leadership of Romanas Kalinauskas, Kaunas bodybuilders began organizing the traditional “Komsomol Cup” competitions. These initiatives continued until the collapse of the Soviet Union.

After Lithuania restored its independence, the “Amber Prix” tournament continuously received support from the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. On the occasion of the tournament’s 40th anniversary, the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania adopted a decision to provide state funding for the event through a separate line in the national budget.

Today, the “Amber Prix” is not only a part of sports history, but also an international symbol of bodybuilding and wellness that promotes Lithuania throughout the world. Throughout the history of the “Amber Prix” tournament, athletes from various countries around the world have participated, representing all continents. In 2008, competitors from 32 countries took part in the event.

More information about these historical events and the activities of the international federation can be found on the official website: www.wff.lt

2026 BODYBUILDING ANNIVERSARIES. CEREMONIAL SPORTS HONOURING EVENT OF 2025.

On May 17, 2025, the 60th anniversary of Lithuanian bodybuilding (1965–2025) was solemnly celebrated in the seaside town of Gargždai. It was the only official event of this scale in Lithuania dedicated to the history of national bodybuilding and to honour distinguished representatives of the sport.

The event was organized by sports enthusiasts from Gargždai under the leadership of Viktoras Kura, prize winner of the international “Amber Prix” tournament. The celebration brought together bodybuilding veterans, sports leaders, public figures, and honoured guests from Lithuania and abroad.

Among the distinguished guests were Member of the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania Alvydas Mockus, President of the World Fitness Federation / World Bodybuilding Federation (W.F.F. – W.B.B.F.) Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, Klaipėda politicians Gintaras Martinkėnas and Romualdas Milė, President of the Lithuanian Sports Fitness Federation Darius Daubaras, legendary world professional bodybuilder Natalija Murnikovienė, Vidmantas Malakauskas, Alina Pelepko, President of the Lithuanian Bodybuilding Federation Modestas Puišė, Head of the Lithuanian Bodybuilding Academy Remigijus Bimba, President of the Latvian Bodybuilding Federation and absolute 2024 W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. professional “Universe” champion Maris Šveiduks, along with many other well-known athletes.

The event was also attended by legendary Lithuanian bodybuilders and former U.S.S.R. champions Saulius Misevičius, Raimundas Petraitis, and Ričardas Petrauskas, as well as athletes Tautvilas Rinkevičius, Aleksas Stankus, Igor Karpec, and Vidmantas Lukys.

Current Lithuanian bodybuilding leaders were also honoured during the celebration: absolute W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. European Amateur Champion Martynas Pakalnis, athletes Arvydas Mickus and Rokas Ražanauskas, absolute 2024 W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. World Champion Vaida Budrienė, and 2023 Professional European Champion as well as 2025 Professional World Cup Champion Raimundas Urbanavičius.

2026 BODYBUILDING ANNIVERSARIES. Major Historical Anniversaries 1966 – the first international bodybuilding tournament in Lithuania was organized. 1976 – for the first time in U.S.S.R. bodybuilding history, Estonian athlete Olev Annus used a special competition diet while preparing for the “Georg Tenno Memorial”. 1986 – the future of U.S.S.R. bodybuilding was discussed and decided through the initiative of Dr. Edmundas Daubaras in Klaipėda. 1996 – for the first time in Lithuanian sports history, the European Bodybuilding Championship was officially supported and financed by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. The competition took place at the Klaipėda Drama Theatre, while a ceremonial banquet for 300 participants, guests, and organizers was held at Count Tiškevičius Palace in Kretinga. The chairman of the organizing committee was Julius Jurgutis, Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Reforms and Municipal Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, and the vice-chairman was Vice Minister of Sports Rimas Girskis. The championship was filmed and broadcast by LNK television. 2006 – the officially supported W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Professional Bodybuilding Championship was organized in Vilnius.  “AMBER PRIX” – 60TH ANNIVERSARY.

The 60th anniversary of the world’s oldest traditional bodybuilding tournament, “Amber Prix International” (“Янтарный приз”), is approaching (1967–2026).

Athletes and bodybuilding organizers from Lithuania and abroad are already actively preparing for this historic event.

The first absolute winner of the tournament in 1967 was Klemensas Alšauskas. In 1968, the second tournament held in Klaipėda was won by famous Vilnius sculptor Leonas Pivoriūnas.

During the period when bodybuilding was prohibited, following the example of Czechoslovak bodybuilders, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras of Klaipėda independently prepared a petition defending bodybuilding and personally delivered it to the highest U.S.S.R. institutions and media offices in Moscow. Despite the ban and persecution of bodybuilding at the time, official political permission was granted in 1978 to organize public bodybuilding competitions in Klaipėda – the “Amber Prix”.

More information: 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

2026 INTERNATIONAL MEGA EVENTS

OVER ALL WINNERS

May 1-2; Klaipeda Zveju Palace, Republic Lithuania

289 competitors from 11 countries

59 -th "AMBER PRIX"

Jasmin Norgard (Kingdom of Denmark)

Grazvydas Narusevicius (Republic Lithuania)

27-th PRO "UNIVERSE"

Over All Women Categories Olga Bogacz (Republic of Poland)

Over All Bikini Champion Valeria Nilova (Republic Estonia)

Over All All Men Categories Maros Kanasz (Republic Slovakia)

21-st PRO EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIP

Evelina Pranauske (Republic Lithuania)

Vidmantas Malakauskas (Republic Lithuania)

27-th AMATEUR "UNIVERSE"

Olga Bogacz (Republic of Poland)

Piotr Sevcenko (Republic Lithuania)

30-th AMATEUR EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIP

Ruta Karpaite (Republic Lithuania)

Mantas Lunskys (Republic Lithuania)

32-d BALTIC CUP INTERNATIONAL

Sirle Lileleht (Republic Estonia)

35-th NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP REPUBLIC LITHUANIA

Rima Vaskiene (Republic Lithuania)

Tadas Jefisovas (Republic Lithuania)

EUROPE AERIAL FITNESS WINNERS

All Groups Aerial Fitness Over All Champion Lisandra Kaarma (Republic Estonia)

Men Aerial Fitness Over All Champion Edvardas Korciaginas (Republic Lithuania)

Hammocks Fitness Over All Champion Meda Zemgulyte (Republic Lithuania)

Silks Fitness Over All Champion Teja Jonaityte (Republic Lithuania)

Hoop Fitness Over All Champion Lisandra Kaarma (Republic Estonia)

Pole Dance Fitness Over All Champion Sofi Anette Elissaar (Republic Estonia)

Fit Kids Over All Champion Julia Szeffs (Republic Poland)

Aerobic Fitness Over All Champion Weronika Schreiber (Republic Poland)

Mini Trampolini Solo Over All Champion Anna Sidlovska (Republic Latvia)

Mini Trampoline Group Over All Champiuons Ieva Pazereckiene, Sartune Stone, Ligita Maciulske, Inga Naujioke, Sigita Stankuviene (Republic Lithuania)

JUDGES INTERNATIONAL

LILLEHT SIRET (Republic Estonia)

KRUSCIUNAITE VIKTORIJA (Republic Lithuania)

KHALED SHAABAN BEDINY (Egypt)

LUNDER KRAJER ANITA (Kingdom of Denmark)

SUNOKAITE SMAILIENE ALINA (Republic Lithuania)

AIZELMANN LORA (Israel)

STALIULIONYTE GINTARE (Republic Lithuania)

SIMAK GODULA ANNA (Republic Poland)

URUSOVAITE SKAIVA (Republic Lithuania)

VJAZOVKINA MARGARITA (Republic Latvia)

VARIAKOJYTE-REINSTROM IEVA (Republic Lithuania)

RAMANAUSKIENE LIUDMILA (Republic of Ireland)

JURANS NORMUNDS (Republic Latvia)

SCHREIBER OSCAR (Re[public Poland)

PELEPKO ALINA (Republic Lithuania)

SADAUSKAS VYTAUTAS (Republic Lithuania)

BAGAZKOVA KARINA (Republic Latvia_

STEPANOV JURIJ (Republic Lithuania)

MIKUCKIS VYTAUTAS (Republic Lithuania)

IVANOVA JELENA (Republic Latvia)

TOMAŠEVIČ-JAKOVIČ JUZEF (Republic Lithuania)

GUSAROVA INNA (Republic Latvia)

JUDGES CHAIRMAN INTERNATIONAL

PUGACHEVA SVETLANA (Republic Lithuania)

GENERAL SECRETARY INTERNATIONAL

UGNE RAUDYTE DAUBARIENE

SECRETARIES INTERNATIONAL

GOSTEVA ASTA

UTARAITE SMILTE

BACKSTAGE JUDGE

DARIUS DAUBARAS

NOTE: Category Winners we will publish in parts every next day. Follow

International Sites www.wff.lt and www.worldfitness.lt

INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK
A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE HISTORY OF THE “AMBER PRIX” TOURNAMENT

The sixtieth anniversary of the historic international “Amber Prix” tournament is approaching. In this publication, its history will be presented in a structured way, revealing the key stages of its development. We intend to mark this anniversary not only with ceremonial events, but also with this book.

This is not merely a story about physical strength or athletic achievements. The international “Amber Prix” tournament, born and developed in Klaipėda, is a unique phenomenon—significant for the city, for Lithuania, and for the global bodybuilding movement. In this introduction, we briefly review the main themes and highlight the most important political, sporting, and social contexts.

The origins of the tournament date back to a period of rapid civilizational change: humanity was exploring the depths of the oceans and venturing into space. In this context, bodybuilding opened up new possibilities—it allowed not only the development of strength and endurance, but also the deliberate shaping of the human body.

The first competition was held in 1967 at the Klaipėda Polytechnic school. Athletes performed strength exercises and demonstrated their physiques. The initiator and organizer of the event was Klaipėda native Antanas Jonuškutis.

Following earlier unsuccessful attempts to establish bodybuilding, the second USSR Bodybuilding Federation (Athletic Gymnastics Commission) was founded in 1968 during an international tournament in Kaunas. It was decided that the federation would hold its first meeting in Klaipėda during the “Amber Prix” tournament—this decision was duly implemented.

After the events of 1967–1968, as bodybuilding rapidly gained popularity, the “Amber Prix” competitions were also held in Klaipėda in 1969 and 1970 under the leadership of Antanas Jonuškutis. He later withdrew from active organizational work.

In 1973, for political reasons, bodybuilding was banned and persecuted in the USSR and other socialist countries. Many athletes discontinued their training, while the most determined continued in secrecy—most often in basements of private homes.

You can find more detailed information on International site www.wff.lt

W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. International
(Since 1968)
PROFESSIONAL CARD HOLDERS
(2004-2026)
No. Cert., Athlete's Name, Country
26-001 Valerija  Nilova, Estonia

26-002 Olga Bogacz, Poland

26-003 Evelina Pranauske, Lithuania

26-004 Piotr Sevcenko, Lithuania

26-005 Ruta Karpaite, Lithuania

25-001 Mickael Louvel, France
25-002 Toru Fukutomi, Japan
25-003 Kamil Kowalczyk, Poland
25-004 Diana Stavchansky, Israel
24-001 Oleg Kametskov, Estonia
23-001 Majid Tashakkorinia, Iran
23-002 Vilma Poviloniene, Lithuania
23-002 Martina Fric, Slovakia
23-004 Palle Katring Rasmussen, Denmark
23-005 Raimundas Urbanavicius, Lithuania
23-006 Lukasz Kulinski, Poland
23-007 Jelena Ivanova, Latvia
22-001 Maris Sveiduks, Latvia
22-002 Anna Sobolewska-Kucharska, Poland
22-003 Natalia Miszkowska, Poland
22-004 Vasilij Bespalenko, Ukraine
21-001 Vidmantas Malakauskas, Lithuania
21-002 Sergej Rybakov, Latvia
21-003 Aleksejs Petkevics, Latvia
21-004 Roman Polshin, Estonia
20-001 Julija Magilinskaja, Lithuania
19-001 Ulku Ece Erturk, Turkey
19-002 Celal Orhan Bozkurt, Turkey
19-003 Tareq Ahmet Mohammed, Turkey
19-004 Olga Kolesova, Lithuania
19-005 Moumita Mazumder, India
19-006 Zina Usikova, Belarus
19-007 Arkadiusz Demidowicz, Poland
19-008 Aleksandr Pulbere, Russia
19-009 Alex Dunnett, UK
19-010 Ema Miliauskiene, Lithuania
18-001 Golab Rabha, India
18-002 Nerina Broggia, Argentina
18-003 Oksana Filimonova, Estonia
18-004 Amirhossein Pourezzat, Malaysia
18-005 Maik Thies, Germany
18-006 Tolga Murat Balikci, Turkey
18-007 Vipnesh Kumar, India
18-008 Igor Artemjev, Russia
18-009 Valentina Zabiiaka, Russia
18-010 Evelina Stulginskaite, Lithuania
18-011 Hollie Jade Feeney, UK
18-012 Hanna Kristina Skytta, Finland
18-013 Ricardo Cordeiro Fernandes, Brazil
18-014 Lilija Shcheklanova, Russia
18-015 Burcin Bayraktar, Turkey
18-016 Anas Nahhas, Turkey
18-017 Nadir Kassab, Turkey
18-018 Mohammad Maragheh, Iran
18-019 Kalimorad Morteza Siah, Iran
18-020 Hossin Reza Poor, Iran
18-021 Tajik Gholam Reza, Iran
18-022 Vahid Ashori, Iran
18-023 Ali Moieni, Iran
18-024 Hamid Solati, Thailand
18-025 Mohammad Ali Norozkhan, Iran
18-026 Shagmai Kushan, India
17-013 Jason Flechner, Germany
17-012 Sandro Piccirillo, Germany
17-011 Hugo Rafael, Brazil
17-010 Sergeii Iatsiuk ,Ukraine
17-009 Marcos Oloveira Dumont, Brazil
17-008 Eduard Sevcenko, Latvia
17-007 Marina Legenzova, Lithuania
17-006 Jana Zykiene, Lithuania
17-005 Evgenij Baishev, Russia
17-004 Rahul Joshi, India
17-003 Anita Lakatos, Serbia
17-002 Ugne Kukyte, Lithuania
17-001 Sandra Mockute, Lithuania
16-011 Hassan Benmestoura, Belgium
16-010 Jorg Fuchs, Germany
16-009 Vilma Naruse, Lithuania
16-008 Asta Butkute, Lithuania
16-007 Jannie Coetzee, South Africa
16-006 Liudmila Kakaulina, Russia
16-005 Christopher Mewes, Germany
16-004 Katja Bongart, Germany
16-003 Marina Putzinger, Germany
16-002 Arslanel Ödül, Turkey
16-001 Souto Glayson, Brazil
15-004 Marina Vlasova, Russia
15-003 Liudmila Senciugova, Russia
15-002 Sintia Katkevica, Latvia
15-001 Sylvester James, Scotland-Nigeria
14-007 Andrej Choroneko, Belarus
14-006 Andrej Rumiancev, Estonia
14-005 Leonor Greffel, Denmark-Mozambique
14-004 Jelena Kursanova, Russia
14-003 Sean Fergusson, UK
14-002 Jagjeet Singh, India
14-002 Roberto Reinaldo, Portugal-UK
14-001 Evelyn Dirocie, Belgium
13-005 Olga Samak, Belarus
13-004 Reza Bagherzadeh, Iran
13-003 Jelena Volkova, Russia
13-002 John Leslie, South Africa
13-001 Nikolaj Vorobjov, Russia
12-009 Svetlana Pugacheva, Russia
12-008 Kristina Narbutaityte, Lithuania
12-007 Sergej Kostel, Belarus
12-006 Reza Rezaei, Iran
12-005 Andrzej Rak, Poland
12-004 Andrzej Brzezinski, Poland
12-003 Marieta Zigalova, Slovakia
12-002 Marosz Kanas, Slovakia
12-001 Dalvaniza Aquino, Brazil
11-016 Elizabeth Van Den Merve, South Africa
11-015 Suzanna Lemmer, South Africa
11-014 Marina Bekojeva, Russia
11-013 Svetlana Agalarova, Russia
11-012 Arora Rajesh, India
11-011 Ali Mahdi, Iran
11-010 Andrius Pauliukevicius, Lithuania
11-009 Aleksandr Borsan, Belarus
11-008 Fernando Sardinha, Brazil
11-007 Mohsen Choranevis, Iran
11-006 Navtej Singh, India
11-005 Shameen Adams, South Africa
11-004 Crecky Chaves, Brazil
11-003 Ali Imani, Iran
11-002 Jevgenij Klockov, Russia
11-001 King Izogie, Belgium
10-008 Aleksandr Vohmjanin, UK
10-007 Sukvinder Singh, India
10-006 Dharminder Singh, India
10-005 Maria Lutsina, Russia
10-004 Tracey Gottchalk, South Africa
10-003 Dainius Dzikevicius, Lithuania
10-003 Heinrich Voss, South Africa
10-002 Valentina Kozlovskaja, Belarus
10-001 Eva Martinkova, Slovakia
09-003 Irina Valette, France
09-002 Liudmila Kolesnikova, Russia
09-001 Vitalij Aleksandrov, Latvia
08-011 Sanchez Flores, Mexico
08-010 Anton Zajanckovskij, Lithuania
08-009 Wojciech Nadolski, Poland
08-008 Jelena Panova ,Russia
08-007 Irina Stavickaja, Russia
08-006 Aleksandr Sciogolev, Russia
08-005 Leonid Filkatov, Russia
08-004 Oksana Lapsova, Russia
08-003 Timo Pekka Vilponen, Finland
08-002 Aelksandr Sevcov, Estonia
08-001 Yamila Toledo, Argentina
07-011 Vladimir Poliakov, Russia
07-010 Vladimir Belousov, Russia
07-009 Denis Burmistrov, Russia
07-008 Maria Kuzmina, Russia
07-007 Liudmila Kungurova, Russia
07-006 Tatjana Bojciuk, Russia
07-005 Jelena Frenkel, Israel
07-004 Jurij Solionov, Lithuania
07-003 Arvydas Miseikis, Lithuania
07-002 Irina Riabova, Russia
07-001 Maria Stukova, Russia
06-012 Vitalijus Kuzmycius, Lithuania
06-011 Aleksandr Liubomirov, Latvia
06-010 Dmitrij Skripnik, Russia
06-009 Marios Artemiou, Cyprus
06-008 Mona Costi, Cyprus
06-007 Elena Stasiukyniene, Lithuania
06-006 Silvia Malachovska, Slovakia
06-005 Diana Decesare, Brazil
06-005 Michail Malek, Russia
06-004 Jurij Gucan, Latvia
06-003 Aleksej Sebastjanov, Russia
06-002 Aleksandr Anaskin, Russia
06-001 Jurans Normunds, Latvia
06-001 Antonio Osta, Uruguay
05-014 Bruno Lembo, Italy
05-013 Jelena Stadnik, Ukraine
05-012 Brigita Brezovac, Slovenia
05-011 Dmitrij Zolin, Russia
05-010 Samuel Cullingworth, UK
05-009 Marek Kalmus, Estonia
05-008 Mike Mitchel, Turkey
05-007 Luigi Sabiela, Italy
05-006 Vera Jegorova, Russia
05-005 Maris Kliavins, Latvia
05-004 Andrej Jakubov, Russia
05-003 Ida Guscia, Russia
05-002 Rachel Kauppila, Finland
05-001 Andre Kai Kaknes, Norway
04-011 Martina Lepcin, Croatia
04-010 Aleksandra Kukres, Lithuania
04-009 Massimo Monaco, Italy
04-008 Marie Rippert, France
04-007 Irina Zincenko, Russia
04-006 Vladimir Marachovskij, Latvia
04-005 Aleksandr Baldin, Russia
04-004 Dmitrij Cizov, Russia
04-003 Ramunas Sendrius, Lithuania
04-002 Mindaugas Kvasys, Lithuania
04-001 Jolanta Mileriute, Lithuania

International Secretary UGNE RAUDYTE DAUBARINE

FACEBOOK does not allow long texts. Get full information on International Site www.wff.lt

“Amber Prix” stories. Yevgeny Zhurtsev – A Lifetime Devoted to Bodybuilding.

One of the most prominent figures associated with the legendary international Amber Prix tournament was Yevgeny Zhurtsev of Vilnius, one of Lithuania's leading bodybuilders of the 1970s and 1980s. He belonged to a generation of athletes who built the sport not with modern training facilities or financial support, but through enthusiasm, perseverance, and an unwavering determination to improve.

Zhurtsev began training in 1966 in a woodshed in his backyard and later continued in the attic of his home. Only a year later, in 1967, he made his competitive debut at local bodybuilding competitions in Panevėžys.

From 1969 to 1971, compulsory military service in the Soviet Army interrupted his athletic career. Upon returning, he immediately resumed training together with his friend Yuri Prikhodko.

A turning point came when he began working under Česlav Tamulevič, one of the Soviet Union's finest bodybuilding coaches and the founder of the renowned Vilnius School of Bodybuilding. Athletes trained within this system became famous not only for their outstanding physiques but also for their exceptional posing artistry. Their posing routines became a benchmark throughout the Soviet Union, attracting bodybuilders from many republics who traveled to Vilnius to learn from them.

Yevgeny Zhurtsev became one of the brightest representatives of this school. In 1972, although he was still eligible to compete as a junior, his coach entered him in the senior division at the Georg Tenno Memorial in Tallinn. The decision reflected both the coach's confidence in his athlete and Zhurtsev's remarkable level of maturity.

Zhurtsev was remembered not only for his well-balanced physique but also for his artistry on stage. His original and meticulously choreographed posing routines distinguished him from other competitors, earning enthusiastic applause from spectators. Within the bodybuilding community, he gained respect not only for his competitive achievements but also for his character and unwavering dedication to the sport.

In 1973, he established his own bodybuilding club in a former bomb shelter in the Antakalnis district of Vilnius. For more than two decades, the gym served not only as his personal training facility but also as a gathering place for aspiring bodybuilders. In 1994, however, rising rental costs forced him to close the club.

Determined to reach the highest level of excellence, Zhurtsev constantly experimented with new training methods. He trained every day, often twice a day. Such uncompromising dedication eventually took its toll. Years of extreme workloads resulted in serious shoulder and arm joint injuries. Nevertheless, his perseverance prevailed. After a lengthy recovery, he returned to competition in 1976 and won second place in his class at an international tournament in Kalinin (now Tver, Russia). Ironically, because the local authorities had banned the event, the competition was held illegally inside a sports club—an illustration of the difficult circumstances surrounding bodybuilding in the Soviet Union at the time.

His greatest competitive successes came in the late 1970s and early 1980s. At the 1978 Amber Prix in Klaipėda, Zhurtsev placed second in his category behind Olev Anus. Two years later he achieved the greatest victory of his career, winning his class at the 1980 Amber Prix. He also competed successfully in the traditional Komsomol Cup tournaments held in Kaunas in 1980, 1983, and 1984, consistently finishing among the prize winners.

Reflecting on his career, Zhurtsev once said:

"I trained incredibly hard, but I never became a world champion. I was never a slave to money—whatever I earned, I spent on food..."

These few words capture his entire philosophy. For him, bodybuilding was never about wealth or fame. It was a way of life.

Yevgeny Zhurtsev can rightly be described as a true bodybuilding idealist. He belonged to a generation of athletes who competed not for financial rewards but out of genuine passion for the sport. His life was defined by relentless self-improvement, and every success he achieved was earned through discipline, determination, and extraordinary willpower.

Today, Yevgeny Zhurtsev is remembered not only as the winner of the 1980 Amber Prix but also as one of the finest representatives of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding, a master of posing artistry, and a man whose complete devotion to the sport inspired an entire generation of Lithuanian bodybuilders. His legacy demonstrates that an athlete's greatest achievement is measured not only by medals but also by the lasting mark left on the history of sport and in the memories of those who witnessed it.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

CNN Report from Klaipėda – An Unprecedented Event in Lithuania.

Until recently, the idea that CNN would produce a report from Klaipėda would have seemed almost unimaginable. One might have assumed that one of the world's largest television networks would only take an interest in Lithuania's seaport city because of a natural disaster, a political crisis, or another event of global significance.

This time, however, it was sport that attracted international attention.

The 50th Anniversary International "Amber Prize" Tournament, held together with the WFF-WBBF "Universe" Championship in Klaipėda, generated unexpected worldwide interest. Although bodybuilding and fitness rarely receive coverage from major international broadcasters, these competitions attracted the attention of CNN.

The event brought together 198 athletes from 17 countries: Belgium, Belarus, Estonia, Germany, India, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Serbia, Slovakia, South Africa, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Uzbekistan. The broad international participation once again confirmed that the WFF-WBBF championships organized in Klaipėda had long since outgrown the status of national competitions and had become significant international sporting events.

The decisive turning point came after the Indian national team returned home. Indian media extensively covered their athletes' performances and victories in Klaipėda, and these publications caught the attention of CNN's editorial staff.

While preparing its report, CNN journalists contacted the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in New Delhi, requesting official information and video material. The embassy forwarded the request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, which in turn contacted Dr. Edmundas Daubaras. Under his coordination, Svetlana Pugacheva, Chair of the WFF-WBBF Technical Committee, prepared the official information and video archive that were subsequently provided to CNN.

Shortly afterwards, CNN broadcast a report introducing Lithuania, the city of Klaipėda, and the international WFF-WBBF championships held there to its global audience.

The report was significant not only for the federation and the event organizers. It represented international recognition that bodybuilding and fitness championships organized in Lithuania had reached world-class standards. It is particularly symbolic that the path to CNN began not in Lithuania but in India, where extensive media coverage of the athletes' achievements encouraged CNN journalists to investigate the event further.

The broadcast became one of the most important international recognitions of the WFF-WBBF Federation's activities. It demonstrated that the organization's reputation, built over many years through professionally organized championships and the consistent work of Dr. Edmundas Daubaras in developing the global bodybuilding and fitness movement, had earned genuine international acknowledgment.

Millions of CNN viewers heard the names of Lithuania and Klaipėda in the context of international sport, professional event organization, and international cooperation. Such worldwide exposure was not achieved through advertising campaigns but through decades of dedicated work, making this a landmark achievement for Klaipėda, Lithuanian bodybuilding, and the entire WFF-WBBF Federation.

Conclusions

CNN's report on the international WFF-WBBF championships held in Klaipėda became an exceptional milestone in the history of Lithuanian sport. The attention of one of the world's leading television networks was earned through the international scale of the competitions and their impact far beyond Lithuania's borders.

The event demonstrated that years of dedicated work, professional organization of international championships, and strong global partnerships can open the doors to the world's most influential media organizations. Klaipėda became the city from which the story of Lithuanian sport reached millions of viewers around the world.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

क्लाइपेडा से CNN की रिपोर्ट – लिथुआनिया के इतिहास में एक अभूतपूर्व घटना

कुछ समय पहले तक यह कल्पना करना भी कठिन था कि CNN क्लाइपेडा से कोई विशेष रिपोर्ट प्रसारित करेगा। यह माना जा सकता था कि दुनिया का यह प्रतिष्ठित समाचार चैनल लिथुआनिया के इस बंदरगाह शहर में केवल किसी प्राकृतिक आपदा, राजनीतिक संकट या वैश्विक महत्व की घटना के कारण ही रुचि लेगा।

लेकिन इस बार दुनिया का ध्यान खेल ने आकर्षित किया।

क्लाइपेडा में आयोजित 50वीं वर्षगांठ अंतरराष्ट्रीय "Amber Prize" Tournament तथा WFF-WBBF "Universe" Championship ने अप्रत्याशित रूप से वैश्विक ध्यान आकर्षित किया। यद्यपि बॉडीबिल्डिंग और फिटनेस प्रतियोगिताएँ सामान्यतः विश्व के प्रमुख समाचार माध्यमों में स्थान नहीं पातीं, फिर भी इस आयोजन ने CNN का ध्यान अपनी ओर खींच लिया।

प्रतियोगिता में 17 देशों के 198 एथलीटों ने भाग लिया। इनमें बेल्जियम, बेलारूस, एस्टोनिया, भारत, इटली, यूनाइटेड किंगडम, साइप्रस, लातविया, लिथुआनिया, दक्षिण अफ्रीका, रूस, सर्बिया, स्लोवाकिया, तुर्की, यूक्रेन, उज्बेकिस्तान और जर्मनी शामिल थे। प्रतिभागियों की यह व्यापक अंतरराष्ट्रीय उपस्थिति इस बात का प्रमाण थी कि क्लाइपेडा में आयोजित WFF-WBBF प्रतियोगिताएँ बहुत पहले ही राष्ट्रीय स्तर से आगे बढ़कर प्रतिष्ठित अंतरराष्ट्रीय खेल आयोजनों का स्वरूप ग्रहण कर चुकी थीं।

निर्णायक मोड़ तब आया जब भारतीय राष्ट्रीय टीम अपने देश लौटी। भारत के समाचार माध्यमों ने क्लाइपेडा में भारतीय खिलाड़ियों के प्रदर्शन और उनकी उपलब्धियों को व्यापक रूप से प्रकाशित किया। इन्हीं समाचारों ने CNN के संपादकीय विभाग का ध्यान आकर्षित किया।

अपनी रिपोर्ट तैयार करने के लिए CNN के पत्रकारों ने नई दिल्ली स्थित लिथुआनिया गणराज्य के दूतावास से आधिकारिक जानकारी और वीडियो सामग्री का अनुरोध किया। दूतावास ने यह अनुरोध लिथुआनिया के विदेश मंत्रालय को भेजा, जिसने डॉ. एडमुंडस दौबारस से संपर्क किया। उनके समन्वय में WFF-WBBF की तकनीकी समिति की अध्यक्ष स्वेतलाना पुगाचेवा ने आधिकारिक जानकारी और वीडियो अभिलेख तैयार किए, जिन्हें बाद में CNN को उपलब्ध कराया गया।

कुछ ही समय बाद CNN ने अपने वैश्विक दर्शकों के लिए लिथुआनिया, क्लाइपेडा और वहाँ आयोजित अंतरराष्ट्रीय WFF-WBBF प्रतियोगिताओं पर विशेष रिपोर्ट प्रसारित की।

यह केवल एक खेल समाचार नहीं था। यह इस बात की अंतरराष्ट्रीय मान्यता थी कि लिथुआनिया में आयोजित बॉडीबिल्डिंग और फिटनेस प्रतियोगिताएँ विश्व स्तरीय आयोजनों के रूप में स्थापित हो चुकी हैं। विशेष रूप से उल्लेखनीय यह तथ्य है कि CNN तक पहुँचने का मार्ग लिथुआनिया से नहीं, बल्कि भारत से प्रारंभ हुआ। भारतीय मीडिया में प्रकाशित समाचारों ने ही CNN के पत्रकारों को इस आयोजन के बारे में और अधिक जानकारी प्राप्त करने के लिए प्रेरित किया।

यह रिपोर्ट WFF-WBBF महासंघ की अंतरराष्ट्रीय प्रतिष्ठा का एक महत्वपूर्ण प्रमाण बनी। इसने सिद्ध किया कि वर्षों से निर्मित संगठन की प्रतिष्ठा, पेशेवर ढंग से आयोजित चैंपियनशिप और विश्व स्तर पर बॉडीबिल्डिंग तथा फिटनेस आंदोलन के विकास के लिए डॉ. एडमुंडस दौबारस के निरंतर प्रयासों को वास्तविक अंतरराष्ट्रीय मान्यता प्राप्त हुई है।

CNN के करोड़ों दर्शकों ने पहली बार लिथुआनिया और क्लाइपेडा का नाम अंतरराष्ट्रीय खेल, उत्कृष्ट आयोजन क्षमता और वैश्विक सहयोग के संदर्भ में सुना। यह वैश्विक पहचान किसी विज्ञापन अभियान का परिणाम नहीं थी, बल्कि दशकों की निरंतर मेहनत और समर्पण का प्रतिफल थी। यह उपलब्धि क्लाइपेडा, लिथुआनियाई बॉडीबिल्डिंग तथा संपूर्ण WFF-WBBF महासंघ के लिए एक ऐतिहासिक क्षण बन गई।

निष्कर्ष

क्लाइपेडा में आयोजित अंतरराष्ट्रीय WFF-WBBF प्रतियोगिताओं पर CNN की रिपोर्ट लिथुआनियाई खेल इतिहास की एक असाधारण उपलब्धि थी। विश्व के सबसे प्रभावशाली समाचार नेटवर्कों में से एक का ध्यान इस आयोजन को उसके अंतरराष्ट्रीय स्तर और विश्वव्यापी प्रभाव के कारण प्राप्त हुआ।

इस घटना ने यह सिद्ध कर दिया कि वर्षों का समर्पित कार्य, अंतरराष्ट्रीय प्रतियोगिताओं का पेशेवर आयोजन और वैश्विक खेल समुदाय के साथ मजबूत संबंध विश्व की सबसे प्रभावशाली समाचार संस्थाओं तक पहुँचने का मार्ग खोल सकते हैं। क्लाइपेडा वह शहर बन गया जहाँ से लिथुआनिया के खेल की कहानी दुनिया भर के करोड़ों लोगों तक पहुँची।

2026 BODYBUILDING ANNIVERSARIES 61 YEAR OF LITHUANIAN BODYBUILDING

On May 17, 2025, the 60th anniversary of Lithuanian bodybuilding (1965–2025) was solemnly celebrated in Gargždai, on Lithuania's Baltic coast. It was the only official commemorative event in the Republic of Lithuania dedicated to this important milestone in the nation's sporting history.

The anniversary celebrations continue. In May 2027, Klaipėda will host another historic event—the 60th International "Amber Prix" Tournament, one of the world's oldest continuously organized international bodybuilding competitions.

However, 2026 is also a landmark year. It marks a series of important anniversaries of events that have shaped not only the history of Lithuanian bodybuilding but have also left a lasting impact on the international development of the sport.

Anniversary Milestones

1946 – 80 Years Ago
The IFBB commercial company was established in Canada, later after 1971 becoming one of the world's most influential bodybuilding organizations.

1966 – 60 Years Ago
Vilnius hosted the first international bodybuilding competition ever held in the socialist world. This historic event opened a new chapter in the development of bodybuilding throughout Eastern Europe.

1976 – 50 Years Ago
Despite the official prohibition of bodybuilding in socialist countries, Edmundas Daubaras organized a public bodybuilding competition in Telšiai. At that time, he was the only bodybuilding organizer in the Soviet Union to openly undertake such an initiative.

1986 – 40 Years Ago
On the initiative of Edmundas Daubaras, the process of establishing the official USSR Bodybuilding Federation was launched. A meeting held at his home brought together Vladimir Dubinin, Vladimir Shubov, and Arkadiy Kashansky, leading to the official founding of the Federation in Kubinka in 1987.

1996 – 30 Years Ago
Klaipėda hosted the first European Bodybuilding Championship in the history of Lithuanian sport. Organized by Edmundas Daubaras, the championship received official support from the Government of the Republic of Lithuania.

2006 – 20 Years Ago
Vilnius hosted the second World Professional Bodybuilding Championship in the history of Lithuanian sport, organized by Edmundas Daubaras. The championship received official support from the Government of the Republic of Lithuania.

2016 – 10 Years Ago
Leading the organizing committee Dr. Edmundas Daubaras organized the World Professional Bodybuilding Championship in Kaunas.

2026
The international WFF–WBBF events held in Klaipėda brought together 289 athletes from numerous countries, once again confirming Lithuania's position as an important center of international bodybuilding.

Lithuania's Contribution to World Bodybuilding

For more than six decades, Lithuania has repeatedly played a significant role in the international history of bodybuilding. The country hosted the first international bodybuilding competition in the socialist world, organized European and World Championships, and established Klaipėda as a permanent venue for major WFF–WBBF international events.

Equally important is the fact that Lithuanian enthusiasts preserved the traditions of bodybuilding even during the years when the sport was officially prohibited. Competitions continued to be organized despite political restrictions, and after Lithuania regained its independence, the country emerged as one of the most active organizers of international bodybuilding events.

Conclusions

The anniversaries celebrated in 2026 remind us that the history of Lithuanian bodybuilding is far more than a record of sporting achievements. It is a story of determination, vision, organizational leadership, and international recognition.

These milestones provide an opportunity to honor the pioneers, organizers, and athletes who built the foundations of Lithuanian bodybuilding and to pass this remarkable legacy on to future generations.

Looking ahead to the 60th International "Amber Prix" Tournament in 2027, it is evident that Lithuania continues to write new chapters in bodybuilding history. The achievements of the past six decades have become an integral part not only of Lithuania's sporting heritage but also of the history of international bodybuilding.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt