Adel Gholami represented Iran at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games ©Getty Images

Asian Games volleyball gold medallist Adel Gholami has been forced to end his professional career due to injury.

In a post on social media, the 36-year-old middle blocker revealed that he had hoped to prolong his playing days but revealed that an issue with his back led him to call it a day.

Gholami was a key member of the Iranian men’s team that claimed Asian Games silver at Guangzhou 2010 before capturing gold at Incheon 2014.

He also helped Iran achieve success at the Asian Championship, winning silver in 2009 before clinching gold in 2013.

An injury has forced Gholami to call time on his playing career ©Getty Images
An injury has forced Gholami to call time on his playing career ©Getty Images

At the Rio 2016 Olympics, Gholami was a member of the Iranian squad that finished fifth.

"I want to thank everyone who has contributed to my success," Gholami wrote on Instagram.

"I played volleyball for 20 years and enjoyed every moment of the sport.

"I wanted to continue playing but I was forced to end my career due to back injury."