India's top archer Jayanta Talukdar conceded on Friday that he and his two other recurve team-mates were embarrassed that the much fancied squad failed to win the gold on a day the corresponding women's trio triumphed in the Commonwealth Games.
"We are very disappointed, especially as we failed to live up to expectations. The competition (for us) is now with the women's team. They have already won gold, now we have to live up to our reputation," Talukdar said.
Dejected at the team's shock loss to Australia in the semi finals before settling for the bronze, Talukdar said it would now be a fresh challenge to earn the individual gold since the women's team had already earned the top place.
Fresh after having secured a bronze medal at the World finals, the Guwahati archer also said the country's male archers would have to aim at nothing less than a gold in the individual events on October 10.
Talukdar will play against double Olympic bronze medalist Simon Terry of England, while Rahul Banerjee will face Matthew Masonwells of Australia in the individual quarters.
In the women's individual events, Dola Banerjee will take on Amy Oliver (England) while Deepika Kumari will face Alexandara Feeney of Australia in the women's quarters.
Talking about the 211-216 loss to eventual gold medallists Australia in the semis, Banerjee said he and team-mates Talukdar and Tarundeep Rai started off poorly. They made some amends in the bronze play-off where they thrashed England 221-218.
Rai shot a poor 6 in his second arrow as India began with a 50 in the first round compared to 56 by Australia.
Banerjee also shot a 6 in the third round as India squandered their chance.
"Getting a good start is a very important thing. Once we start badly, it's very difficult to make a comeback. Luck didn't favour us," Banerjee said.
Army archer Rai took the blame on himself and said: "I am really sorry to have let down the (people's) huge expectation. I am accepting the defeat, the Aussies played well. At least I am happy that we got the bronze."
"Winning and losing are part and parcel of the game. But I promise that I would give my best in the future to bring success for the country," he added.
