WE ARE CREATING WORLD SPORT HISTORY.

CHAIRMEN INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION VISITED PRESIDENT REPUBLIC LITHUANIA.

On January 22, 2026 International Chairmen of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Bodybuilding Federation)  visited historic President of the Republic Lithuania Professor Dr. VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS.

At the several hours lasting discussion with Professor Dr. VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS took part President of the International W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. federation DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS, for social work awarded with Honour Diploma of the International U.N.E.S.C.O. organization President of the Lithuania Sport Fitness Federation DARIUS DAUBARAS, representing „Rotary“ Club of the Lithuanian Republic Docent of the Klaipeda University historic VIDIMANTAS RAUDYS.

Detailed historic article is on the way. Follow International Page www.wff.lt

FOR SEVERAL YEARS WORLD BODYBUILDING CENTER WAS SLOVAKIA.
MAGNIFICENT WORKS OF MECENAT STEFAN HRCKA.
Somehow life runs so quickly and many events and happenings are around us. Let us remember great times of our sport. No other federation ever had so important historic International times. One of the moments of the World sport history were several years when Slovakian Mecenat STEFAN HRCKA together with the International W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) federation organized International events in Slovakia and Austria.

2009 “UNIVERSE” IN SLOVAKIA.

LETTER OF PRIME MINISTER SLOVAKIA.

International W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. federation held the 2009 W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. „Universe“ contest at City Brusno Kupele (November 7, Slovakia).

Delegations of thirteen countries participated at the event - Slovakia, Czechia, Austria, Germany, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Hungary, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Poland, France, Venezuela.

The President Government Youth and Sport Committee and a Member Parliament Republic Slovakia DUSAN GALIS came to congratulate the participants and organizers of this important International Event.

Mr. DUSAN GALIS presented the congratulating letter of the Prime Minster Republic Slovakia ROBERT FICO to the President W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. International DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS.

INTERNATIONAL “HONOUR GOLD MEDAL”

PRESENT OF FORMER PRIME MINISTER SLOVAKIA.

The opening ceremony of the W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. „Universe“ was led by the former Prime Minister Republic Slovakia  VLADIMIR MECIAR.

In recognition of the great efforts to support the sport and fitness in the country  and internationally the President W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. International DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS awarded with the genuine “International Honour Gold Medal” Prime Minister Republic Slovakia Mr. VLADIMIR MECIAR. Before the holder of this High International Award was only the President Parliament Austria Professor ALFRED GERSTL.

Among the respectable audience present at the event were the Environment Minister Republic Slovakia JOZEF MEDVED, vice President special police forces Slovakia  Police General  Mr. JAROSLAV AMBROS.

During the 2009 W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. „Universe“ the Slovak organizers addressed the International Federation asking to hold the „Universe“ International again in 2010. They are ready to meet 400 participants giving them transport facilities, food and hotels. The exact date of the coming event was November 4-7 in the same place: Slovak Brusno Kupele.

The contest will last 5 days including the semi finals and Professional Contest. The organizers are ready to give 20 000 Euro for the Pros. The Pro Categories will be as follows: Bodybuilding Men, Bodybuilding Women, Fitness men and Model Fitness Women.

PRIME MINISTER SLOVAKIA. OFFICIAL MEETING.

INTERNATIONAL HONOUR GOLD MEDAL “ FOR ROBERT FICO.

When President W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. International DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS still was in Slovakia he received official invitation to meet Prime Minister Republic Slovakia ROBERT FICO.  DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS arrived to the Headquarters of the Prime Minister in Bratislava. During the meeting important questions of International and Slovakia sport were spoken. Slovakia State Chancellor FRANTISEK HATAR was present at the meeting too. The President W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. International DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS presented to ROBERT FICO the “International Honour Gold Medal”.

PRESIDENT OF PARLIAMENT VISITED INTERNATIONAL CONTEST.

There were two W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International contests held in Slovakia in 2013 – that were World amateur and professional championships and „Universe“ competition. Since 2009 it was a tradition that all Slovakia International contests were organized by the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International and Mecenat STEFAN HRCKA together. Competitions were held at the private historic mountain resort of STEFAN HRCKA in Brusno Kupele. The event was specific – the President Parliament Republic Slovakia JAN FIGEL visited competition. For long lasting popurarization of sport and fitness in Slovakia on the contest stage JAN FIGEL presented to the International W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. President DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS the Honour Diploma and Special Medal of the Parliament Republic Slovakia.

OFFICIAL VIZIT TO PARLIAMENT SLOVAKIA.

As it was mentioned above President Parliament Republic Slovakia JAN FIGEL visited 2013 W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. „Universe“ contest. During the visit JAN FIGEL invited International W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. President DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to pay official visit to the Parliament Slovakia. Soon the visit to Parliament Headquarters in Bratislava was organized. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS with JAN FIGEL discussed situation about sport and fitness in Slovakia and on International level.

PRIME MINISTER SLOVAKIA. OFFICIAL MEETING.

SECOND MEETING WITH ROBERT FICO.

Preparing the 2012 World Championship in Slovakia President W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. International DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS received official invitation to meet Prime Minister Republic Slovakia ROBERT FICO once again.  DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS arrived to the Headquarters of the Prime Minister in Bratislava. During the meeting important questions of International and Slovakia sport were spoken. Also at the meeting were present Mecenat STEFAN HRCKA adn W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Slovakia Official LUBOMIR MARTINKA. Prime Minister Republic Slovakia ROBERT FICO agreed to be the „Patron“ of the coming W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. World Championship.

SLOVAKIA PARLIAMENT AWARD COMES TO LITHUANIA.

Delegation of the Slovak W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. federation participated at the 2016 W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. World Championship held in Lithuania. W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. for noticable social work Slovakia Official LUBOMIR MARTINKA presented to the International W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. President DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS Award of the Paliament Republic Slovakia. The Award was signed by the Deputy Chairman of the National Council of Slovak Republic Mgr. Art. Andrej Hrnciar.

„AWARD

For worldwide fitness and bodybuilding development on the occasion of the World Championship in fitness and bodybuilding.

Deputy Chairman of the National Council of Slovak Republic

Mgr. Art. Andrej Hrnciar“.

OFFICIAL VISIT TO EMBASSY CUBA.

Seeking to develop relations with Ministry of Sport of Cuba, in 2011 Official Visit to the Embassy of Cuba in the Republic of Slovakia was organized. At the meeting with the Embassador of Cuba participated International W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. President DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS and W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Official STEFAN HRCKA. Possibilities to participate at the International W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. events of Cuba Sportsmen were spoken over.

FULL ARTICLE is on the way.

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WE ARE CREATING WORLD SPORT HISTORY.

CHAIRMEN INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION VISITED PRESIDENT REPUBLIC LITHUANIA.

On January 22, 2026 International Chairmen of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Bodybuilding Federation)  visited historic President of the Republic Lithuania Professor Dr. VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS.

Detailed historic article is on the way. Follow International Page www.wff.lt

OFFICIAL AND UNOFFICIAL CZECHOSLOVAKIA: MEETINGS AT THE MINISTRY OF SPORTS AND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF INTERNATIONAL CONTACTS IN BODYBUILDING DURING THE SOCIALIST PERIOD Introduction

During the 1960s and 1970s, the development of bodybuilding in socialist countries depended not only on the achievements of athletes but also on the organizational activities of federation leaders, coaches, and sports administrators. Their initiatives created the conditions necessary for maintaining international contacts and ensuring the continuity of the sport under politically restrictive circumstances.

In 1973, bodybuilding encountered various administrative and political restrictions in many socialist countries. As a result, the activities of bodybuilding organizations were limited, and international cooperation became increasingly difficult. In this context, Czechoslovakia occupied a unique position, as its bodybuilding organizations managed to maintain relatively active operations and contacts with international sports structures.

This article examines the visits of Lithuanian representative Edmundas Daubaras to Czechoslovakia in 1975 and 1977, the meetings held with officials of the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation and sports administration, and the significance of these contacts for the further development of bodybuilding throughout the socialist bloc.

The Situation of Bodybuilding in Socialist Countries after 1973

Following the restrictions imposed on bodybuilding in 1973, organized activities in many socialist countries were significantly curtailed. Due to differing political and administrative circumstances, each country developed its own model for maintaining and promoting the sport. International cooperation became fragmented, and contacts between national organizations were maintained primarily through personal relationships.

During this period, the most active bodybuilding centers within the Soviet Union remained in the Baltic republics. In Estonia, an important role was played by Inar Mardo (1945–2002), while in Lithuania the founders and coaches of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding, Česlavas Tamulevičius and Vitalijus Asovskis, were among the leading figures. The most significant regional events included competitions organized in Tallinn and the international “Amber Prix” tournament, held in Lithuania from 1968 onward.

The 1975 Visit to Czechoslovakia

In 1975, Edmundas Daubaras, then a student at Vilnius State University, spent two months in Prague under a student exchange program. During this visit he established contacts with Vojtech Fiala, President of the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation and one of the key organizers of bodybuilding in the country.

That same year, Czechoslovak athletes participated in the IFBB European Championships. The most notable achievement was recorded by Petr Stach, who won not only his height category but also the overall title, becoming the Absolute European Champion. This victory significantly strengthened Czechoslovakia’s position within international bodybuilding.

During his stay, Daubaras visited Petr Stach at his training facility near Prague, where he was introduced to the athlete’s training system and methods of preparation for international competitions.

At the initiative of Vojtech Fiala, a meeting was also arranged at the Czechoslovak Sports Organization (ČSTV – Československý svaz tělesné výchovy). The participants discussed the situation of bodybuilding in the Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia, and other European countries, as well as prospects for future cooperation.

In order to obtain reliable information regarding the situation in the Soviet Union, the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation maintained contact with one of the pioneers of Soviet bodybuilding, Gennady Baldin. According to information provided by Baldin, organized bodybuilding activities in the USSR had declined substantially following the restrictions introduced in 1973, with the most active centers remaining in the Baltic republics.

The 1977 Visit and Meetings

In 1977, Edmundas Daubaras visited Prague for a second time under the student exchange program. During this stay, the contacts established in 1975 with the leadership of the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation and sports administration were further developed.

By that time, the federation had become fully integrated into the structure of ČSTV and operated from permanent offices. The position of federation secretary was held by the well-known bodybuilder Peter Tlapak, who played an active role in the administration and promotion of bodybuilding within the country.

During the visit, Daubaras also toured the Czechoslovak Olympic Training Center, where members of the national bodybuilding team were preparing for international competitions. Discussions focused on athlete preparation methods, training organization, and competitive strategies.

An important part of the visit was a trip to the city of Brno, where meetings of the Council of the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation were held under the leadership of Professor František Bulva. Daubaras was invited to attend these meetings as a guest and delivered a presentation on the state of bodybuilding in the Soviet Union. His report provided Czechoslovak sports officials with first-hand information about the conditions under which bodybuilding functioned in the USSR after the restrictions of 1973.

Conclusions

The visits of Edmundas Daubaras to Czechoslovakia in 1975 and 1977 played an important role in maintaining international contacts between bodybuilding organizations in the Baltic republics and Czechoslovakia. These interactions facilitated the exchange of information concerning the development of the sport, organizational models, and opportunities for international cooperation.

During the 1970s, the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation enjoyed broader opportunities for international engagement than most other bodybuilding organizations within the socialist bloc. Consequently, Czechoslovakia emerged as one of the principal centers of bodybuilding in the socialist world and played a significant role in preserving and advancing the sport during a period marked by political restrictions and organizational challenges.

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NABBA in Lithuania: A History That Has Yet to Be Repeated

Today, NABBA, the world's oldest bodybuilding organization, unites approximately twenty active national associations across the globe. Lithuania occupies a far more significant place in NABBA's history than is often remembered. Over the past four decades, the relationship between Lithuania and NABBA has extended far beyond sporting competitions—it has been closely connected with the international recognition of the restored Lithuanian state and the establishment of independent sports organizations after the country's restoration of independence.

Even if the current President of NABBA International were unexpectedly replaced today by a representative from Lithuania, such an event would hardly equal the historical significance of what took place between 1991 and 2005. During those years, Lithuania became one of the most prominent and influential NABBA member nations in Europe.

The People Who Created Lithuania's NABBA Legacy

When discussing the most important chapters of Lithuania's NABBA history, three names stand out above all others: Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, Natalija Murnikovienė, and Rolandas Bučinskas.

Dr. Edmundas Daubaras was the principal architect of Lithuania's independent bodybuilding organization and the driving force behind its international relations. Natalija Murnikovienė and Rolandas Bučinskas became the first Lithuanian athletes to win NABBA European Championship titles, permanently establishing Lithuania's place in the organization's history.

Naturally, many athletes, coaches, officials, and organizers contributed to the development of Lithuanian bodybuilding. However, these three individuals were directly associated with events whose significance extended beyond sport into the political and international spheres.

The Road to International Recognition

Between 1989 and 1990, Lithuanian bodybuilding leaders sought independent international recognition for the newly restored Republic of Lithuania within the global bodybuilding community.

After several years of unsuccessful efforts to secure Lithuania's independent membership in the IFBB, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras met with the federation's president Ben Weider in New York in 1990. During that meeting, he was informed that the IFBB would support Moscow's position and would not recognize Lithuania as an independent member federation.

Faced with this refusal, Dr. Daubaras turned to another international organization. He established contact with NABBA President Oscar Heidenstam, who not only invited Lithuanian athletes to compete in the European Championships in Épinal, France, but also expressed support for Lithuania's aspiration to become an independent member of NABBA.

The process also received significant support from the Lithuanian government. The first Minister of Sport of the restored Republic of Lithuania, Algirdas Raslanas, together with later ministers Vitas Nėnius and Kęstutis Skrebys, Vice-Minister Rimas Girskis, and Respublika newspaper editor Vytas Tomkus, all contributed to creating the conditions that enabled Lithuanian bodybuilding to establish itself internationally.

The First Independent Bodybuilding Organization

In May 1991, with the support of Minister Algirdas Raslanas, the Lithuanian National Bodybuilding Association (LNBA), commonly known as "Lithuanian NABBA," was officially registered with the Ministry of Justice.

It became the first officially registered bodybuilding organization in independent Lithuania.

At the same time, the former Lithuanian SSR Bodybuilding Federation continued to operate, maintaining its traditional ties with Soviet sporting structures. Consequently, the establishment of the Lithuanian National Bodybuilding Association represented not merely the creation of another sports federation, but an important step in building the sporting institutions of the restored Lithuanian state.

NABBA Recognized the Republic of Lithuania

One of the most significant historical facts is that the Lithuanian National Bodybuilding Association became a member of NABBA before the August 1991 coup attempt in Moscow.

At that time, many international sports federations hesitated to recognize Lithuania's independence or admit it as a separate member. NABBA was among the very first international sporting organizations to officially recognize the Republic of Lithuania and to issue formal documentation confirming that recognition to the National Olympic Committee of Lithuania.

This decision carried not only sporting significance but also political importance, demonstrating international support for Lithuania's restored independence.

The First European Champions

International recognition was soon followed by sporting success.

Natalija Murnikovienė and Rolandas Bučinskas became NABBA European Champions, earning some of the first major international bodybuilding titles won by athletes representing the restored Republic of Lithuania.

Their victories demonstrated that Lithuanian athletes were capable of competing successfully against Europe's strongest competitors despite the extraordinary political and economic challenges facing their newly independent country.

Lithuania Becomes a European NABBA Centre

In 1996, 1997, and 1998, Lithuania hosted three consecutive NABBA European Championships—in Klaipėda, Vilnius, and Palanga.

This represented an exceptional achievement not only in Lithuanian bodybuilding but also in NABBA history. Very few countries have been entrusted with organizing three European Championships within such a short period.

Even more importantly, the 1997 and 1998 Championships were broadcast internationally by “Eurosport”, introducing Lithuania to millions of television viewers throughout Europe and demonstrating the country's organizational capabilities on the international stage.

Has Anything Comparable Happened Since?

Over more than three decades of independence, Lithuanian bodybuilding has achieved numerous outstanding sporting successes in various international federations. Lithuanian athletes have become European and World Champions, earned professional status, and represented their country with distinction in prestigious international competitions.

However, when one considers the entire historical picture—the establishment of the first independent bodybuilding organization, international recognition of Lithuania, official membership in NABBA, the country's first European Championship titles, and the organization of three NABBA European Championships—few, if any, periods in Lithuanian bodybuilding history can compare with the achievements of 1991–1998.

During those years, bodybuilding became more than simply a sport. It also served as a means of demonstrating to the international community that the restored Republic of Lithuania existed as an independent nation, capable of participating in and contributing to the world's sporting institutions.

Conclusions

More than three decades later, it can be objectively concluded that Lithuania's NABBA history forms an integral part of the sporting history of the restored Republic of Lithuania.

The achievements of 1991–1998 were significant not merely because of medals won. They reflected Lithuania's determination to become an independent member of the international sporting community, strengthened the country's international reputation, and demonstrated that even a relatively small nation could become an important partner within a major international sports organization.

History is ultimately measured not by titles or positions held today, but by actions that changed the course of events. In the history of NABBA, it was the achievements of this remarkable period that established Lithuania's name within the international bodybuilding community and secured its place as one of the most important chapters in the history of Lithuanian bodybuilding.

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