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

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.

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

Slovakia as an International Center of W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Bodybuilding and Fitness: The Role of Patron Stefan Hrčka (2009–2013). Introduction

At the end of the first decade of the twenty-first century and the beginning of the second, the Slovak Republic emerged as one of the most important centers of the international fitness and bodybuilding movement in Europe. This development was closely linked to the activities of the World Fitness Federation (W.F.F.) and the World Body Building Federation (W.B.B.F.), as well as to the exceptional support provided by Slovak patron and public figure Stefan Hrčka. Through his initiative and organizational capabilities, Slovakia became the host of a series of high-level international sporting events that attracted the attention not only of the sports community but also of the country’s highest political institutions.

The 2009 “Universe” Contest in Brusno Kupele

A significant milestone was the international “Universe” contest held on November 6–8, 2009, in the Brusno Kupele resort located in the Tatra region of Slovakia. Athletes from thirteen countries participated in the event: Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Germany, Austria, France, Hungary, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Venezuela.

The international status of the contest was underscored by the presence of high-ranking Slovak state officials. Among them was Dušan Galis, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Government Committee for Youth and Sports, who presented a Letter of Appreciation from the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, Robert Fico, to the President of the World W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras. This gesture reflected the official recognition of the Federation’s activities and its contribution to the organization of international sporting events.

International Recognition and the “International Honour Gold Medal”

During the 2009 event, former Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic Vladimír Mečiar was awarded the International Honour Gold Medal. The award recognized his personal contribution to the development of sport and the promotion of health and fitness both nationally and internationally.

At that time, the medal represented one of the highest distinctions conferred by the World W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation. Prior to Mečiar, it had been awarded only to former President of the Austrian Parliament Professor Alfred Gerstl. This practice reflected the Federation’s commitment to strengthening cooperation between sport and public institutions while recognizing individuals who contributed significantly to the promotion of healthy lifestyles.

Cooperation with Slovak State Institutions

Following the 2009 “Universe” contest, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras received an official invitation to the Government Office of the Slovak Republic in Bratislava. During the meeting with Prime Minister Robert Fico and Chancellor František Hatar, discussions focused on the future development of international sport and the prospects for organizing further W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. events in Slovakia.

During the visit, Robert Fico was presented with the International Honour Gold Medal as a symbol of the Federation’s appreciation for his support of sport and health-promotion initiatives.

This cooperation continued in 2012. While preparing for the World Championship in Brusno Kupele, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras held a second official meeting with Prime Minister Robert Fico. The meeting was attended by Stefan Hrčka and Lubomir Martinka, the official W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. representative in Slovakia. During the discussions, Prime Minister Fico agreed to serve as Patron of the World Championship, once again demonstrating the Slovak Government’s support for the event.

Slovakia as a Center of International Bodybuilding Events

Between 2009 and 2013, the Brusno Kupele resort became the permanent venue for the most important W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. events, including World Amateur and Professional Championships and international “Universe” contests. The organizational foundation of these events was built upon the close cooperation between the World W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation and Stefan Hrčka.

Particularly significant were the events held in 2013, which were attended by the Speaker of the Slovak Parliament, Ján Figeľ. During his visit, he not only participated in the official ceremonies but also presented Dr. Edmundas Daubaras with the Slovak Parliament’s Certificate of Honour and a special Parliamentary Medal in recognition of his long-standing contribution to the development of international fitness and bodybuilding.

Subsequently, at the invitation of the Speaker, Dr. Daubaras paid an official visit to the Parliament of the Slovak Republic in Bratislava. The meetings focused on issues related to sports policy, public health promotion, and international cooperation.

International Recognition and Continuity

The support of Slovak state institutions for the Federation’s activities continued beyond 2013. During the 2016 W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. World Championship held in Lithuania, Slovak delegation leader Lubomir Martinka presented Dr. Edmundas Daubaras with a Certificate of Honour from the Parliament of the Slovak Republic. The document was signed by Deputy Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic Andrej Hrnčiar.

This award symbolized the long-term cooperation between Slovakia and the World W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation and served as recognition of outstanding contributions to the development of the international fitness and bodybuilding movement.

Development of International Relations

The expansion of international relations also played an important role in the Federation’s activities. In 2011, an official visit to the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Bratislava was organized. The meeting with the Cuban Ambassador was attended by Dr. Edmundas Daubaras and Stefan Hrčka. Discussions focused on opportunities for Cuban athletes to participate in W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. events and on future prospects for sports cooperation.

Conclusions

The period from 2009 to 2013 occupies a special place in the history of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation. During these years, Slovakia became one of the most significant international centers of fitness and bodybuilding in Europe. This status was achieved not only through the regular organization of world-class sporting events but also through the active involvement of Slovak state institutions.

An analysis of this period demonstrates that a decisive role was played by patron Stefan Hrčka, whose initiatives, organizational efforts, and financial support created the conditions necessary for the successful implementation of long-term international projects. His contribution stands as a notable example of how private patronage and civic initiative can enable a relatively small European nation to become a focal point of a global sporting movement.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

INTERNATIONAL JUDGES AND TRAINERS SEMINAR IN KLAIPEDA. WHEN BODYBUILDING BECAME JUST ABOUT MUSCLES: WHERE DID THE ART OF POSING GO?

Bodybuilding was once about much more than displaying muscles. It was about the stage, music, movement, artistry, and the ability to turn one’s physique into a true stage performance. Today, much of that has disappeared. Has bodybuilding become too simplistic?

This question will be discussed on September 27, 2026, in Klaipėda, Lithuania, at an international seminar for coaches and judges, organized by the World WFF-WBBF Federation and the International Sport University (ISU).

One of the main topics of the seminar will be the art of posing, its importance in competition, new categories and judging principles, as well as the future development of bodybuilding.

There Was a Time When Muscles Alone Were Not Enough

There was a period in bodybuilding history when an athlete had to be more than physically well prepared. He had to know how to present his physique.

In 1987, during the establishment of the USSR Bodybuilding Federation, a series of specialized seminars was organized. One of them was conducted by Vitalijus Asovskis, then head of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding.

Together with Česlavas Tamulevičius, the founder of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding, and drawing on their practical experience and years of work with athletes, he developed a classification of the main bodybuilding poses.

This was not merely technical work. Posing was understood as a special language through which an athlete told the story of his physique on stage.

On Stage, It Was Not Enough to Be Strong — You Had to Know How to Show It

At that time, the free posing routine played a particularly important role.

An athlete did not simply perform the mandatory poses. He created his own performance: choosing the music, arranging the sequence of poses, transitions and movements, and creating a complete stage presentation.

Judges evaluated the overall impression of the routine, artistry, stage presence, musicality, posing technique and the athlete’s ability to move smoothly from one pose to another.

This forced athletes to develop far beyond the gym.

Lifting weights alone was not enough to become a stage virtuoso. Athletes had to learn how to control their bodies, understand music, use the stage, connect with the audience and present themselves to the judges.

Anyone can lift a barbell. Far fewer can command a stage.

As a result, there were occasions when a physically outstanding athlete lost to a competitor who was better able to present his physique on stage.

This judging philosophy encouraged bodybuilders to work harder and develop not only their physiques, but also their stagecraft.

The Vilnius School Created Not Only Physiques, but Stage Art

Specialists of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding carefully studied the experience of other sports. They analyzed routines from artistic gymnastics and figure skating, examining their structure, artistry, musicality and judging principles.

This experience was then adapted to bodybuilding.

As a result, Lithuania produced an entire generation of athletes for whom the stage was just as important as the training hall.

Among them were Pranas Murauskas, Jevgenijus Gorelikas, Jevgenijus Žurcevas, Rišardas Krinickis, Vytautas Pleckevičius, Saulius Misevičius, Vladas Kapcevičius, Viačeslavas Chleborodovas and many other athletes of that era.

Their performances were not simply demonstrations of poses.

They were performances.

What Happened to Bodybuilding Today?

Today, free posing routines are no longer evaluated in many bodybuilding competitions.

And this creates one of the fundamental problems.

If posing skill has no impact on the final result, why should an athlete spend hundreds of hours developing it?

Perfecting posing requires time. It requires coaching, specialized knowledge, stage experience, musical awareness and countless rehearsals.

As a result, athletes naturally focus on the elements that directly influence their competitive results.

The result is increasing uniformity.

The same movements. The same poses. The same stage solutions.

The athlete walks onto the stage, displays his physique and walks off.

But where has the individuality gone? Where is the personality of the performance? Where is the moment when spectators are waiting not only to see what kind of physique an athlete has brought to the competition, but how he will present it?

Is Bodybuilding Losing Its Stage Identity?

Bodybuilding has always been unique because it brought together sport and stage performance.

Muscle was only one part of the equation.

The other was the ability to present it.

When the artistic component disappears from the judging system, competitions become increasingly uniform. And the more uniform they become, the fewer reasons spectators have to look forward to the next athlete’s performance.

Perhaps this is why it is time to look again at something that was once considered an essential part of bodybuilding.

2027 Could Become a Year of Change

The WFF-WBBF Federation has announced plans to reintroduce the evaluation of free posing routines for professional bodybuilders starting in 2027.

This would represent an attempt to bring back an element that once encouraged athletes to become not only physically powerful, but also true stage performers.

Will this change bodybuilding?

The answer will depend on how the judging criteria are formulated and how the idea is received by athletes, coaches and judges.

But one thing is clear:

Bodybuilding cannot be reduced to a display of muscles.

An athlete on stage should not simply stand there.

He should perform.

This will be one of the key subjects discussed on September 27, 2026, in Klaipėda at the International Seminar for Coaches and Judges.

Perhaps it is time to remember that bodybuilding does not begin when an athlete steps onto the stage.

It begins when an athlete learns how to tell the story of his physique on stage.

More information about the seminar: www.worldfitness.lt